Lower sales in the automotive and food sectors pulled Canada’s overall retail sales down in May after two months of strong gains, Statistics Canada said today.

Total retail sales declined by 0.6% from April to $32.6 billion. May’s decline was only the second in eight months.

StatsCan said auto sector sales, which make up more than one-third of total retail sales in Canada, fell by 2.1%. The sector, which includes new and used vehicles and fuel sales, has generally been experiencing steady growth since 2004, in part because of the rising price of gasoline.

Food and beverage store sales declined for the second time in six months, falling 0.6%.

Sales in the furniture, home furnishings and electronics stores sector rose by 1.2% in May, making up for a similar drop in April. Pharmacies and personal care stores reported sales gains of 1.3%, while general merchandise stores reported an increase of 1%.