Retail sales edge up in April

OTTAWA ― Following a 0.8% decline in March, retail sales rose 0.9% to $44.3 billion in April, according to StatCan. Sales were up in seven of 11 subsectors, representing 64% of total retail sales. Higher sales at gasoline stations were the main contributor to the gain. Excluding sales at gasoline stations, retail sales advanced 0.4%. Building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers reported a 1.6% increase, the third gain in four months. Retail sales rose in every province except Manitoba.