LBM, garden supply sales slip in February

OTTAWA ― Retail sales edged up 0.8% in February to $50.6 billion after three consecutive monthly declines, according to the latest StatCan data. Sales were up in five of 11 subsectors, representing 73% of retail trade. Higher sales at general merchandise stores and motor vehicle and parts dealers were the main contributors to the increase. After posting gains in December and January, sales at building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers were down 1.6%. Despite this decline, sales still remained above November levels. On an unadjusted basis, retail e-commerce sales were $1.4 billion in February, accounting for 3.3% of total retail trade.