A big drop in new car sales cut left overall retail sales almost unchanged in February from January, Statistics Canada reported today.

New car sales fell 4% to $6.1 billion, largely on weak truck sales, including minivans, sport utility vehicles, light and heavy trucks, vans and buses. With that drop, gains in other areas were just enough to edge total February retail sales up 0.1% to about $33.3 billion.

Gas station sales posted the biggest increase, up 4.8%, partly reflecting the shutdown of a refinery in Ontario.

Statistics Canada said five of the eight retail sectors reported drops in February from January, with the automotive sector (parts and used vehicles, new vehicles and gas stations) down 0.4% and home furnishings and electronics stores down the same amount. Clothing and accessories stores were off 1.5%, and miscellaneous retailers and building and outdoor home supplies stores both fell 0.5%.

Sales at food and beverage stores rose 1.3%, pharmacies and personal care stores gained 0.9% and general merchandise stores rose 0.6%.

Including the fact that gas and fresh vegetable prices rose, total retail sales actually fell 0.7% in the month, StatsCan said.

February sales were down from January in Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta.