Retail sales edge down in June

OTTAWA — Retail sales edged down 0.1% to $44.1 billion in June, according to StatCan. Weaker sales at food and beverage stores and general merchandise stores offset higher sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers. Sales were down in seven of 11 subsectors, representing 54% of retail trade. After removing the effects of price changes, retail sales in volume terms declined 0.3% in June. Sales at building material and garden equipment and supplies dealer fell by 1.9%, the third decline in four months.