Retail sales rebound in September

OTTAWA — Following four months of little change, retail sales rose 0.6% to $44.4 billion in September on the strength of higher sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers, according to StatCan. Sales were up in seven of 11 sub-sectors, representing 65% of retail trade. After removing the effects of price changes, retail sales increased 0.6%. Gains of 0.7% at building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers more than offset the declines in August. Retail sales were up in eight provinces in September. Higher sales in Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia accounted for most of the increase.