Higher sales at new car dealers and general merchandise stores were the main contributors to the gain.

Sales were up in 4 of 11 subsectors, representing 47% of retail trade. Excluding sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers, retail sales were unchanged.

After removing the effects of price changes, retail sales in volume terms increased 0.3%.

Motor vehicle and parts dealers (+1.4%) was the largest contributor in dollar terms to the increase in February. Both new (+1.8%) and used car (+3.0%) dealers reported gains after posting declines in January.

Sales at general merchandise stores (+2.0%) increased for the fourth time in five months.

After three consecutive monthly declines, sales at building material and garden equipment and supplies

dealers rose 2.1%.