Gas sales drive Canadian retail up in June

OTTAWA, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- Higher gas prices were attributed to a 0.5-percent increase in Canadian monthly retail sales in June to $36 billion, the Statistics Canada agency reported.

Gasoline stations reported a 4.2-percent increase in sales. If that is excluded, actual total retail sales would have declined by 0.4 percent, the agency said.

Sales by new car dealers fell 3.1 percent, the fifth consecutive monthly decline in that category, StatsCan said. Sales by used and recreational motor vehicle and parts dealers also declined.

During the month, retail sales were up in six of eight sectors, with the clothing and accessories stores sector leading the gainers, along with sales of furniture, home furnishings and electronics showing modest gains for the third consecutive month.

The agency said retail trade was up in all provinces, with Prince Edward Island leading with a 2.4-percent increase overall.