Retail sales inch 1% higher

Retail sales rose one per cent to $38.2 billion in September, reflecting growth at most store types.

Statistics Canada reports it's the fifth increase in six months and the largest advance since November 2010.

The agency says sales by volume rose 0.6 per cent.

Nine of 11 subsectors reported gains, representing 90 per cent of retail sales.

Motor vehicle and parts dealers (up 2.8 per cent) registered the largest increase in sales, with new-car dealers (up 3.7) accounting for most of the gain.

Higher prices contributed to a third consecutive monthly increase in sales at gasoline stations, up 0.8 per cent in September.

General merchandise store sales advanced 0.7 per cent, the eighth increase in nine months, while sales at clothing and clothing accessories stores rose one per cent.

Electronics and appliance stores reported a sales gain of 1.2%, following three monthly decreases.

Health and personal-care store sales declined 0.4 per cent in September.

Retail sales increased in all provinces in September. Nova Scotia (up 2.4 per cent) reported the largest percentage sales increase.