CBJ - January 27 - Retail sales in November rose for a fourth consecutive month, increasing 0.3 per cent to $38.7 billion, according to Statistics Canada. Gains were reported in seven of 11 sub-sectors, representing 65 per cent of total retail sales.

In volume terms, sales were also up for a fourth month in a row, increasing 0.5 per cent.

Gasoline station sales rose 0.8 per cent in November. This was the eighth increase since the beginning of 2011.

Sales at sporting goods, hobby, book and music stores (2.9 per cent) rose for a fourth consecutive month. Stores selling video games were the main contributors to the increase.

General merchandise store sales were up 0.6 per cent, the sixth increase in seven months. Following a decline in September and flat sales in October, sales at department stores fell 0.7 per cent in November.

Sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers (0.3 per cent) advanced for a fourth consecutive month. Stronger tire sales led to a 5.1 per cent increase at automotive parts, accessories and tire stores. Receipts at new car dealers edged up 0.1 per cent following larger increases in the previous three months. Sales at other motor vehicle dealers (-1.4 per cent) and used car dealers (-0.5 per cent) both declined in November.

Clothing and clothing accessories stores reported a 0.9 per cent sales gain for a third monthly increase.

Following five monthly gains, sales at food and beverage stores declined 0.3 per cent. This decrease came mainly from lower sales at supermarkets and other grocery stores (-0.4 per cent).

Furniture and home furnishings stores (-0.8 per cent) registered a third consecutive sales decrease in November. Lower sales at home furnishings stores (-3.1 per cent) accounted for this decline.

Retail sales rose in Quebec and the four Western provinces for a fourth month in a row. Sales in Quebec grew 0.7 per cent, with widespread gains across store types. Sales in Quebec have generally increased since May, following declines in the beginning of 2011.