Retail sales rise in June
OTTAWA – Rising prices drove retail sales up one per cent in June, to $34.4 billion.
Statistics Canada reports gasoline was the driving force behind most prices, as retail sales in volume terms increased 0.4 per cent.
The agency says retail sales have risen in five of the last six months, following large drops at the end of 2008.
Sales rose in six of eight retail trade sectors in June.
The automotive sector was the largest contributor to overall growth, with a 2.1 per cent sales gain.
A 4.7 per cent rise in sales at gasoline stations was the main contributor to June's increase in the automotive sector, with higher gas prices driving the advance.