Monthly retail sales fell 0.3% in November from October 2009 to $35.2 billion but were up 1.2% from November 2008.  Excluding sales by motor and recreational vehicle dealers, retail sales increased 1.1% from November 2008.  

Prior to November, retail sales had risen for three consecutive months. Using a year-over-year comparison, November saw the first increase following 10 consecutive sales losses. After removing the effects of price changes, particularly higher gasoline prices, retail sales in November in volume terms decreased 1.0%, the first decline since April 2009.

The automotive sector saw sales decrease 0.2% from October. Sales by new car dealers fell 2.2% after increasing for six consecutive months.  In contrast, gasoline station sales were up 2.4% from October, and up 4.1% from November 2008. Sales at used and recreational motor vehicles and parts dealers (+1.1) increased for a seventh straight month.  Excluding the automotive sector, retail sales were up 0.6% from November 2008.       

A 3.6% decrease from October at clothing and accessories stores was the largest drop in this sector since September 2002.  Statistics Canada said, "a contributing factor was lower winter clothing sales as a result of unseasonably warm weather throughout most of Canada."

November sales by food and beverage stores increased 1.6% from the same month last year. Sales at supermarkets were 1.5% higher than in November 2008.  A year-over-year sales gains was also recorded by drug stores (+4.3%).     

Sales in the building and outdoor home supplies sector in November were almost $2.3 billion, up 1.1% from October and a gain of 0.9% from November 2008.         

Home centers and hardware stores sales in November were unchanged from October and stood at almost $1.9 billion.  Sales were up 0.4% from November 2008.  Home centres and hardware stores make up slightly more than three-quarters of all sales in the building and outdoor home supplies sector.         

Specialized building materials and garden stores experienced a 6.5% increase from October to $430 million.  Sales were up 2.9% compared with November 2008.   

General merchandise stores sales fell by 2.8% from October to November.  Sales in November 2009 were 0.5% lower than in November 2008 and stood at $4.3 billion.  These stores have seen their year-over-year sales increase steadily since the beginning of the year.  "General merchandise stores" include department stores, warehouse clubs, superstores and home and auto supplies stores. 

Sales at furniture, home furnishings and electronics stores were up 1.1% from

October at $2.4 billion.  They were down 2.5% from November 2008.