Sales were up in 6 of 11 subsectors, representing 38% of total retail trade.

Higher sales at general merchandise stores, clothing and clothing accessories stores, and building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers offset lower sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers and gasoline stations. Excluding the latter two subsectors, retail sales were up 1.1%.

After removing the effects of price changes, retail sales in volume terms increased 0.5%.

Sales at general merchandise stores rose 2.9% in June, the largest gain in dollar terms and the fifth increase in six months.

Sales at clothing and clothing accessories stores rose 2.7%. Higher sales at clothing stores (+3.3%) and shoe stores (+5.3%) both followed decreases in May. Jewellery, luggage and leather goods stores sales (-3.7%) were down for the first time since February 2017.

Sales at building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers (+2.2%) rose for the 9th time in 10 months.