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Black Friday lift? Canadian shoppers spent more in November

Consumers spent more money in November, led by unexpectedly upbeat auto sales. But spending was broad-based with multiple categories posting gains, Statscan says. Canadian Press

Has Black Friday finally convinced Canadian shoppers?

Statistics Canada says retail sales rose in November to $41 billion. The agency says the increase of 0.6 per cent compared to November a year earlier was largely due to higher sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers. But electronics and appliance stores were also leading categories.

READ MORE: Free-spending consumers splash out on record number of new vehicles 

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Sales rose in nine of 11 subsectors, accounting for 72 per cent of retail trade.

Statscan fingered the traditional U.S. shopping event following that country’s Thanksgiving as a contributing factor to the rise.

The agency says weather and the timing of new product releases had a greater effect on monthly sales than promotional events in November such as Black Friday.

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Sales were up 1.2 per cent at motor vehicle and parts dealers, while sales at electronics and appliance stores rose 6.4 per cent.

Higher sales were reported in seven provinces in November, with British Columbia recording the largest dollar increase at 1.4 per cent increase.

With files from Canadian Press

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