Retail sales in Canada dipped slightly in August as consumers faced higher prices for gasoline and motor vehicles., ending a string of summer increases.

Sales in the month fell by 0.3% to $31.2 billion, following increases of 1.4% in July and 1.3% in June, Statistics Canada said today.

Factoring out sales of new, used and recreational vehicles and auto parts, retail sales advanced by a slim 0.2% in August.

Shoppers reduced spending in the retail sector that includes office supplies, sporting goods, and hobby, music and book stores by 2.8%.

Clothing sales fell by 2%. Purchases in the general merchandise sector, which includes department store sales, dropped by 0.5%, while food and beverage sales fell by a similar amount.

The only sectors reporting advances were in furniture and electronics, building supplies and pharmacies.

Once prices are taken into account, constant dollar retail sales dropped 1.0% in August, as consumers faced higher prices for gasoline and motor vehicles. Previously, retail sales, adjusted for price changes, rose by 1.1% in July and 1.2% in June.