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

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

But officials say initial estimates for October indicated a 1.5% increase for the month, but they warn that figure will be revised.

Statistics Canada said petrol station sales fell 2.4% in September due to lower prices, while car and parts dealer sales remained 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%. Sales at stores selling building materials and garden supplies fell 2.0% he.

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 by 0.1% in September.

This report by the Canadian Press was first published on November 22, 2022.