October retail decline includes LBM, garden

OTTAWA ― Retail sales decreased 1.2% to $50.9 billion in October, according to new StatCan data. A 3.1% drop in LBM and garden equipment sales, along with lower motor vehicle sales, contributed to the decline. Lower sales were reported in eight of 11 sub-sectors, representing 81% of retail trade. After removing the effects of price changes, retail sales in volume terms decreased 1.4%. Six provinces saw retail sales go down in October, including a second consecutive monthly decline in B.C.