Canadian retail sales were little changed in June from the previous month, as higher sales across most sectors were balanced by lower sales at motor vehicles and parts dealers, and gasoline stations, Statistics Canada reported.
The Econoday consensus forecast was for a decline of 0.1%.
Sales at motor vehicles and parts dealers fell 2.5% in June, following increases in the last two months, rooted primarily in lower sales at new car dealers. Similarly, sales at gasoline stations dropped for the first time in five months by 3.4%.
Meanwhile, following cold weather, building materials, garden equipment and supplies dealer sales climbed 6.0% and sales at general merchandise stores rose 3.0%. Clothing stores sales increased 4.2%, while sporting goods, hobby, book and music stores sales grew 3.7%.
Excluding sales in motor vehicles and parts dealers and gasoline stations, retail sales in June rose 1.7%.
