Retail sales slip led by fewer vehicle, clothing purchases

OTTAWA – Statistics Canada says retail sales edged down 0.1 per cent in March to $41.1 billion following gains in January and February.

It says sales were lower at motor vehicle and parts dealers and at clothing and clothing accessories stores.

These declines were largely offset by gains at gasoline stations and food and beverage stores.

Sales declined in seven of 11 subsectors representing 59 per cent of retail trade.

Among all subsectors, motor vehicle and parts dealers contributed the most in dollar terms to the March decrease, with sales down 0.7 per cent.

Sales were down in five provinces in March, with higher sales in the western provinces offset by lower sales in Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick.