LBM, garden supply sales post first gain in five months

OTTAWA — November retail sales rose 0.9% to $51.5 billion, according to StatCan, largely offsetting the 1.1% decline in October. The increase was primarily attributable to higher sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers and at food and beverage stores, both of which were down in October. Sales at building materials and garden equipment and supplies dealers were up for the first time in the last five months, rising 2.1%. Higher sales were reported in six of 11 subsectors, representing 70% of retail trade. After removing the effects of price changes, retail sales in volume terms increased 0.7%.