Prices drive up Canada's August retail

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OTTAWA, Oct. 23 (UPI) -- Higher prices were responsible for a 0.3 percent increase in Canadian retail sales in August, up to $39.1 billion, Statistics Canada reported Tuesday.

Retail sales in volume terms actually declined 0.3 percent on a monthly basis, the agency said.

The largest increase in all 11 sectors was at gas stations, where higher prices nudged sales up 2.9 percent.

The overall general merchandise store sector saw a 0.6 percent monthly increase, while food and beverage store sales rose 0.3 percent, the report said.

Sales at miscellaneous retailers such as office supplies and pet supplies declined for a second month in a row, falling 3.1 percent.

"Clothing and clothing accessories store sales decreased for a third month in a row, falling 1.1 percent," StatsCan said. "Lower sales were reported by all store types within this sector."