Statistics Canada reported on Friday that the Canadian retail sales edged down 0.1 percent m-o-m to CAD51.58 billion in September, following a revised 0.1 percent m-o-m increase in August (originally a 0.1 percent m-o-m drop).

The result was in line with economists’ forecast, suggesting a 0.1 percent m-o-m decline for September.

According to the report, the September decrease came from lower sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers (-1.0 percent m-o-m) and gasoline stations (-2.3 percent m-o-m).

Excluding motor vehicle and parts dealers, retail sales rose 0.2 percent m-o-m in September compared to an unrevised 0.2 percent m-o-m decline in August and economists’ forecast for a 0.1 percent m-o-m advance. Excluding motor vehicle and parts dealers and gasoline stations, retail sales surged 0.7 percent m-o-m in September.

In y-o-y terms, Canadian retail sales jumped 1.0 percent in September, decelerating from 1.1 percent in August.

In the third quarter, retail sales grew 0.5 percent, following a 1.1 percent climb in the second quarter.