Canadian retail sales jumped 1.7% in February to $30.4 billion, the first time that consumer spending has topped the $30-billion mark, Statistics Canada said today.

February’s gain followed January’s 2.1% increase.

All retail sectors, except general merchandise stores, showed higher sales in February, Statistics Canada said.

The clothing sector led the way with a gain of 4.1%, followed by a 2.4% gain in both the building supplies and automotive sectors. Sales of furniture and electronics were up by 2.2%.

Sales at general merchandise stores were off by 0.4% in February.