Source: The Canadian Press

Retail sales increased for a third straight month in February, rising 0.5% in current dollars to $36 billion.

Higher sales at new car dealers were the main contributor to the gain.

Statistics Canada reports sales in volume terms increased 0.6%.

The agency says sales increased in seven of 11 retail subsectors.

The largest contributor to the overall increase was a 2.9% gain at motor vehicle and parts dealers, where sales rose for the first time since October.

The clothing and clothing accessories stores subsector recorded a 4.3% rise, their third straight increase.

Sales in the food and beverage stores subsector rose 0.5%, led by a 3.7% increase at beer, wine and liquor stores during the Vancouver Winter Olympic Games.

Sales at gasoline stations were up 0.5%, their 10th straight gain.

Retail sales were dampened by declines at building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers (down 7.6%) and furniture and home furnishing stores (down 3.5%).

Retail sales rose in nine provinces in February.