Canadian retail sales edged down 0.2% in September to an estimated $34.4 billion, due mainly to a decline in sales by new-car dealers. That’s the third decrease in overall sales since May 2007.

Statistics Canada reported today that third-quarter sales fell 0.3%.

Excluding sales by dealers of new, used and recreational vehicles and auto parts, retail sales increased by 0.1% in September.

Sales in the automotive sector declined 0.7% in September, primarily due to a 1.3% decrease in sales by new-car dealers.

The second-largest decrease came in furniture, home furnishings and electronics stores, down 2.2%.

Clothing and accessories stores slipped 0.8% in September and the miscellaneous retailers group fell 0.2%.

Increases were recorded in food and beverage stores (0.6%), general merchandise stores (0.4%), pharmacies and personal care stores (0.4%) and building and outdoor home supplies stores (0.1%).

The quarterly decline was primarily due to a 2.3% drop in automotive sector sales, StatsCan reported.

In constant dollars, total retail sales declined 0.5% in September, indicating that there was a slight price effect.