Statistics Canada reported that retail sales fell 0.5% in September.

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OTTAWA — Retail sales fell 0.5% to $61.1 billion in September, according to Statistics Canada, as sales at gas stations and restaurants fell.

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However, officials say initial estimates for October indicated a 1.5% increase for the month, but warned the figures will be revised.

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Statistics Canada said petrol station sales fell 2.4% in September due to lower prices, while car and parts dealer sales were relatively flat.

Food and beverage store sales fell 1.3% in September as supermarket and grocery store sales fell 1.6% and convenience stores fell 1.5%. Building material and gardening store sales fell 2.0%.

Core retail sales, which exclude sales at gas stations, auto and parts dealers, were down 0.4% in September.

In terms of volume, retail sales fell 0.1% in September.