Monthly retail sales slipped by 0.3% in November. Even though the majority of retailers experienced sales increases during the month, lower demand for motor vehicles pulled down total retail sales, Statistics Canada reported Tuesday.

Overall, Canadian retailers sold $26.3 billion worth of goods for the month.

Excluding sales by motor and recreational vehicle dealers, which make up the largest component of the automotive sector, retail sales advanced 0.6% in November.

“Retail sales have weakened since the peak of $26.6 billion reached last August, mainly because of weaker sales by auto dealers,” Statistics Canada said.

November’s weakness in retail sales was concentrated in the automotive sector, drug stores, and “other retail” stores, such as toy retailers and bookstores.

Retailers in the furniture, clothing, general merchandise and food sectors enjoyed healthy sales gains in November, StatsCan said.