Retail sales increased in March

Canadian retail sales increased 2.1 per cent to $37 billion in March, the fourth consecutive monthly gain.

"Higher sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers were the main contributor to the gain," Statistics Canada said Friday.

In volume terms, sales were 2.2 per cent higher. Sales increased in eight of 11 retail subsectors during the month, but a 3.6 per cent rise in sales of motor vehicles and auto parts accounted for most to the gain.

Gas stations registered their 11th consecutive gain, at 2.3 per cent.

Sales increased in all provinces, but Newfoundland and Labrador had the highest growth rate among the provinces in March, with a 3.1 per cent rise in sales.