Retail sales up again in August

OTTAWA — Retail sales rose for the fourth consecutive month, advancing 0.5% to $43.6 billion in August. The increase was led by higher sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers. Excluding this subsector, retail sales were flat. Sales increased in 4 of 11 subsectors, representing 56% of retail trade. In volume terms, retail sales increased 0.7%. Building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers saw sales increase by 2.4% year over year.