The Canadian Statistics Agency says retail sales declined by 0.5 percent to $61.1 billion in September, driven by a decrease in sales at gas stations along with food and beverage stores.
 

However, the agency says its preliminary estimate for October indicates gains of 1.5 percent for the month, although it cautioned that the figure is subject to revision.

For September, the Canadian Statistics Agency said sales at gas stations fell by 2.4 percent with lower prices, while sales of cars and parts dealers remained relatively unchanged.

Sales at food and beverage stores decreased by 1.3 percent in September, with supermarket and grocery store sales dropping 1.6 percent and small stores losing 1.5 percent.
 

Sales in building materials and garden equipment trade dropped by 2.0 percent.

Core retail sales – excluding sales at gas stations, car dealers, and parts dealers – also fell by 0.4 percent in September.

In terms of volume, retail sales declined by 0.1 percent in September.