Some weakness was seen in one of Canada's strongest sectors.
Statistics Canada says manufacturing sales were down 0.9% in December, the first decrease since August.
Still, the agency says despite the December decline, manufacturing sales have risen in six of the last eight months and were 2.7% higher than in December 2012.
Sales slid in 15 of 21 industries, representing approximately three-quarters of total manufacturing.
Transportation equipment sales fell 6.1% to $8.8 billion in December after hitting a 17-month high in November.
The drop largely reflected a 19.4% decline in the aerospace product and parts industry.
Sales fell in seven provinces in December, with the largest declines occurring in Alberta and Ontario.
