Consumer spending in retail stores advanced for a third consecutive month in December, although at a considerably slower pace than in November, Statistics Canada reported today. For the year as a whole, automotive sector sales have pushed annual retail sales growth to its highest rate since 2002.

Retail trade grew 0.3% in December from the previous month to a record $31.2 billion, the agency said. This followed increases of 1.0% in November and 0.5% in October.

Excluding sales by dealers of new, used and recreational vehicles and auto parts, retail sales rose 0.4% from November. December was the only month in 2005 in which sales from new car dealers were not the principal driver or drag on overall retail sales.

Higher sales were reported in five out of the eight retail sectors in December. Shoppers increased their spending by 1.0% in the furniture, home furnishings and electronics stores sector, 0.6% in the food and beverage stores sector and 0.5% at miscellaneous retailers. Sales were also edged up 0.1% in both the automotive and general merchandise store sectors.