Retail sales rise in November

OTTAWA — Following flat sales in October, retail sales rose 1.7% in November to $44.3 billion, according to StatCan figures. Higher sales at new car dealers were the main contributor to the gain. With the exception of gasoline stations, all subsectors showed an increase in sales, representing 90% of retail trade. In volume terms, retail sales were up 1.5%. Store types traditionally associated with housing purchases and home renovation showed growth in November. Sales at building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers were up 2.4% and furniture and home furnishings stores increased by 0.4%. This was the third gain in four months for these categories, and the largest in the building material and garden equipment and supplies subsector since mid-2014.