Canadian retail sales rise

(Oct. 23, 2012) -- Nominal Canadian retail sales in August 2012 rose an expected 0.3 percent following an unrevised 0.7 percent gain in July. Most of the increase reflected a price-related 2.9 percent jump in gasoline station receipts. Sales at motor vehicle dealerships had been a factor in sending overall retail sales higher in July with that component rising by a strong 1.4 percent although August saw a modest retracement with activity dropping by 0.2 percent, said Ferley.