Canadian retail sales increase strongly

(Sept. 25, 2012) -- Nominal retail sales in July 2012 rose by a robust 0.7 percent in the month with the decline in June lessened to 0.3 percent from 0.4 percent previously. Expectations were for a monthly increase in July of only 0.2 percent, said Ferley. The unexpected strength was in large part concentrated in sales at motor vehicle dealerships where activity rose 1.7 percent.