General merchandise stores were the largest contributors to the increase.

Sales were up in 7 of 11 subsectors, representing 63% of retail trade. Excluding sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers, retail sales increased 0.9%.

After removing the effects of price changes, retail sales in volume terms rose 0.1% in January.

Sales at general merchandise stores were up 2.3% in January, following a decline in December.

Electronics and appliance (+4.0%), clothing and clothing accessories (+2.1%) and furniture and home furnishings (+3.4%) stores also contributed to the increase in January, following declines in all three subsectors in December.

Sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers were down 1.2%, largely due to lower sales in British Columbia and Quebec. Results were mixed among store types, as sales at new car dealers (-1.6%) and used car dealers (-3.0%) fell, while sales at other motor vehicle dealers (+1.7%) and automotive parts, accessories and tire stores (+3.2%) increased.