Higher sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers and food and beverage stores were the main contributors to the gain. Sales were up in 6 of 11 subsectors, representing 75% of total retail trade. After removing the effects of price changes, retail sales in volume terms decreased 0.2%.

Sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers were up 0.8% in July. Higher sales at new car dealers (+1.4%) accounted for the increase at the subsector level, more than offsetting declines at the other store types. Following gains in June, sales declined at used car dealers (-2.4%), other motor vehicle dealers (-2.7%) and automotive parts, accessories and tire stores (-0.2%). Receipts at food and beverage stores were up 0.9%, rising for the fourth consecutive month. Higher sales were reported at all store types within the subsector. Sales at supermarkets and other grocery stores (+0.7%) and beer, wine and liquor stores (+1.8%) were the main contributors to the increase. Health and personal care stores (+0.7%) reported higher sales for the sixth time in seven months.