Retail trade slips in March

OTTAWA — Following gains in January and February, retail sales edged down 0.1% in March to $41.1 billion, according to StatCan. Sales were lower at motor vehicle and parts dealers and clothing and clothing accessories stores. However, these declines were largely offset by gains at gasoline stations and food and beverage stores. Sales were lower at motor vehicle and parts dealers and clothing and clothing accessories stores. However, these declines were largely offset by gains at gasoline stations and food and beverage stores. General merchandise store sales edged down 0.3% and department stores were down 0.4%. Furniture and home furnishing stores posted a 1.2% increase as home furnishings stores sales (+2.7%) rose for the third consecutive month. The growth in March at home furnishings stores came mainly from sales of items such as housewares, bedding and home decorations.