OTTAWA, Nov. 25 (UPI) -- Retail sales in Canada rose 1.1 percent in September to $36.3 billion, paced largely by a surge in new car sales, Statistics Canada reported Tuesday.
Sales in the entire automotive sector were up 2.2 percent from August, driven by a 2.9 percent jump in new vehicle sales, the agency said. Gasoline stations posted a 1.7 percent increase, and an undisclosed increase was also reported among used and recreational vehicle and parts dealers, StatsCan said.
The general merchandise stores sector and the food and beverage stores sector each posted gains over more than 1 percent, although the agency said part of that was based on rising food costs.
Regionally, seven provinces registered sales increases above 1 percent in September, with Quebec leading with 2.3 percent, the report said.
