LBM, garden sales jump in April

OTTAWA — Retail sales rose 0.8% to $48.6 billion in April, according to StatCan. Sales were up in nine of 11 sub-sectors, representing 71% of total retail trade. Excluding sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers, retail sales climbed 1.5%. Sales at building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers increased for the eighth consecutive month, by 3.5%. This sub-sector has been trending upward on the strength of higher sales of home appliances, hardware, and tools. This was the largest percentage increase since May 2015.