The Canadian Statistics Agency said that retail sales rose by 0.9 percent to reach 60.7 billion dollars in April, supported by gains in general merchandise stores.

The agency also says that its early estimates for retail sales in May indicate an increase of 1.6 percent over the month, but it warned that the figure will be revised.

Retail sales rose in April in six of the 11 sub-sectors tracked by the Canadian Statistics Agency, which represent 43.3 percent of retail trade.

Sales in general merchandise stores rose by 4.2 percent, while sales in miscellaneous retail stores, which include pet stores, shops, office supplies, and retailers, increased by 11.3 percent.

Core retail sales, which exclude gas stations, car dealers, and parts retailers, rose by 1.0 percent. In terms of volume, retail sales increased by 0.9 percent in April.