Lower gasoline prices weigh down November retail sales

Canadian retail sales fell in November by 2.4 per cent from October, the largest monthly decline since January 1998, Statistics Canada said Thursday.

November's decline largely reflected price-induced lower sales at gasoline stations and a drop in the volume of sales at new car dealers.

Excluding the automotive sector, which includes sales of new, used and recreational vehicles, parts and gasoline, retail sales were flat.

The automotive sector saw a 7.1 per cent decline in sales, pulling down overall sales in November. The decline in gasoline prices that Canadians enjoyed during November led to a 14.9 per cent sales drop at gasoline stations, the largest monthly decline since September 2006.

The second-largest decline in November was seen in the "miscellaneous retailers" sector, where sales retreated by 0.7 per cent. Sales in this sector reflected a downturn in sales at sporting goods, hobby, music and book stores midway through the year, Statistics Canada said.