Retail sales up in July

OTTAWA — Retail sales rose for the third consecutive month in July, up 0.5% to $43.3 billion. Sales increased in six of 11 subsectors, representing 55% of retail trade. Higher sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers and clothing and clothing accessories stores accounted for most of the gain. In volume terms, retail sales rose 0.2%. Building materials and garden equipment and supplies saw a sales increase of 1.8%.