Source: The Canadian Press

Higher gasoline prices drove overall retail sales up 0.8% to $36.6 billion in October.

Statistics Canada says this fifth-straight monthly increase was pushed by a 7.4% increase in gas station sales.

Sales rose in seven of the 11 areas monitored, but with gas stations excluded, overall sales actually slipped 0.1%.

Business was up at furniture and home furnishing stores, which recorded a 2.2% increase.

Sales of motor vehicles and parts rose 0.3%, a fifth consecutive monthly increase. New car sales were flat, however.

Miscellaneous store retailers, including office supply and stationery stores, reported a 1.4% increase in business.

Jewellery, luggage and leather goods stores reported a 2.0% sales increase.

Sales at general merchandise stores, which include department stores, slipped 1.2%.

Sales were also off at food and beverage stores, supermarkets and among clothing and clothing accessory retailers.