Statistics Canada says retail sales edged up 0.1% to $39.1 billion in September, the third straight monthly increase.
In volume terms, though, sales were flat.
The largest increase in dollar terms among all sub-sectors was a 0.6% rise at motor vehicle and parts dealers, with new car sales up 0.9%
Sales rose 2.5% at miscellaneous retailers, a category which includes used merchandise stores, office supply and stationery stores, and pet supply stores
General merchandise store sales decreased 0.7%, with department store sales off 0.9%.
Sales rose in five provinces in September led by Alberta, with sales off 0.7% in Quebec and flat in Ontario.
