Source: The Canadian Press

Canadian retail sales slipped in May, the second month in a row of declines but not as severe as in April, Statistics Canada reported Thursday.

The decline of 0.2% to $36 billion in May was weaker than some analysts had expected. There had been a 2% decline between March and April and some had expected there would be a bigger rebound in May.

Retail sales were up substantially year-to-year, however, from $34.2 billion reported in May 2009 when Canada was still in a recession.

The agency said last May’s sales dropped from month-to-month in six of the 11 retail sectors it tracks as well as in five of the provinces, including Quebec.

Building materials and gardening suppliers were off 4.1%, while gasoline stations reported a 2.3% drop as pump prices fell from April to May.

Sales of motor vehicle and parts slipped 0.5% as a slight rise in new car sales failed to offset drops in used cars, parts and accessories, including tires.

Clothing and clothing accessories sales were up 2.6%, while food and beverage sales rose 0.9%.

Quebec recorded a drop of 1.8% as new car sales slipped.

British Columbia posted a 1.5% increase, driven mainly by new car sales.

Sales in Ontario edged up 0.1% in May.