Statistics Canada says retail sales rose 0.4% in March to $39.1 billion, more than offsetting the decline recorded in February.
The agency says warmer-than-usual weather, especially in Ontario, contributed to the gains as people jumped the gun on buying spring merchandise, including clothing, footwear, bicycles as well as lawn and garden products.
Gains were reported in seven of 11 sub-sectors, representing 56% of Canada's total retail sales.
Sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers rose 1.2%, with most of the gains coming in sales of new cars and other motor vehicles, including RVs, motorcycles and boats.
Four provinces reported higher retail sales in March, with most of the gains in Ontario, which showed an increase for the fourth time in five months.
Excluding Ontario's 1.2% increase, total retail sales were flat.
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