Retail LBM sales edge up in May

OTTAWA ― Retail sales rose 1.0% to $43.0 billion in May, reports Statistics Canada. After removing the effects of price changes, retail sales in volume terms were up 0.4%. Store types associated with housing purchases and home renovation showed continued growth in May. Sales at building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers were up 1.9%, the sixth straight monthly increase. Receipts at furniture and home furnishings stores were up 0.3%, the fourth consecutive monthly increase.