LBM sales rise in December

OTTAWA — Following four consecutive monthly increases, retail sales decreased 0.5% in December, reports StatCan. Declines were widespread as lower sales were reported in nine of 11 sub-sectors, representing 82% of retail trade. After removing the effects of price changes, retail sales in volume terms decreased 1.0%. Building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers reported higher sales for the fourth consecutive month, with an increase of 0.7%.