Retail sales down in August

OTTAWA — Retail sales declined 0.1% to $50.8 billion in August, following a 0.2% increase in July, according to new StatCan data. Sales were down in seven of 11 sub-sectors in August, representing 52% of retail trade. Sales at building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers edged down 1.1%, the second consecutive monthly decline. Excluding motor vehicle and parts dealers, retail sales declined 0.4%.