Retail sales rise in August

Retail sales increased 0.4 percent to $66.6 billion in August, according to the latest StatCan data. Sales were up in four of nine subsectors, led by increases at motor vehicle and parts dealers. Sales in LBM and garden categories fell by 0.5 percent. Seven provinces saw sales rise in the month, with Ontario’s 0.9 percent gain clocking in as the largest. The largest decrease was in Alberta, largely due to lower food and beverage sales.