Retail sales up in June

OTTAWA ― Retail sales increased 0.6% to $43.2 billion in June, according to StatCan. Sales were up in eight of 11 subsectors, representing 64% of retail trade. In the first six months of 2015, retail sales were up 2.2% compared with the same period in 2014. Excluding gasoline stations, retail sales were up 5% in the first half of 2015. After removing the effects of price changes, retail sales in volume terms were flat in June. Following six straight monthly gains, sales at building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers were 1.4% lower in June.