Canadian retail sales hit a record $31.8 billion in January, advancing 1.4% from December, Statistics Canada said today.

Sales rose for a fourth consecutive month in January, helped by Christmas gift card redemptions.

Unseasonably warm temperatures and the increasing observance of certain religious and cultural days in January may have also contributed to the month’s strong sales, Statistics Canada said.

“Shoppers increased their spending in all sectors in January, with the exception of the food and beverage sector, which saw sales fall 1.2%,” the federal agency said.

Sales at furniture, home furnishings and electronics stores shot up by 5%, while other retailers, such as sporting goods and book stores, saw their sales rise by 4.8%.

Sales at building, general merchandise and home supplies stores also grew by at least three%.

New car sales were up 1.4%, while used car sales increased 1.3%.