Canadian retail sales falter in June

Canadian retail sales eased 0.4 percent to $38.7 billion in June, with seven of 11 sectors posting declines, Statistics Canada said Wednesday. The dip more than offset May's 0.3 percent gain in which six of 11 sectors increased. In June, the general merchandise sector posted the largest decrease, 1.5 percent, led within by a 2.6 percent decline in department store sales, the report said. "Building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers reported a 2.1 percent sales decline," StatsCan said. "Sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers decreased 0.4 percent." Among the sectors posting small retail increases were electronics and appliance stores, which rose 1.1 percent in June. Food and beverage store sales rose 0.5 percent, attributed to higher sales at supermarkets and other grocery stores, the report said.