Retail sales rise in January

OTTAWA — Retail sales rose 2.1% to $44.2 billion in January, led by five sub-sectors that rebounded from lower sales in December, according to StatCan. Gains were reported in seven of 11 sub-sectors, representing 82% of total retail sales. Sales at building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers rose by 3%, the sixth consecutive month of gains. The main product type sold in this sub-sector is lumber and other building materials, accounting for about 40% of sales.