Sales dropped marginally in Canada in October

OTTAWA, Dec. 20 (UPI) -- Retail sales receipts in Canada dropped 0.1 percent to $40.7 billion in October, the first drop in four months, Statistics Canada reported Friday.

The largest decline, if measured by receipts, was in vehicle sales, which dropped 1.9 percent, with a 1.6 percent decline at new car dealerships where sales had risen 4.6 percent in September.

Lower [October] motor vehicle sales were "not entirely offset by gains in food and beverage stores," the data office said.

Gasoline station sales dropped 1.6 percent despite lower prices.

Sales of furniture and items for the home slipped 1.9 percent.