Food prices remain well above last year’s levels
Overall sales were still 22.4% below last year
Canada’s composite leading indicators rise 1.3 points in July
Strong growth in imports indicates rising domestic demand
Retailers face a competitive back-to-school shopping season
Sharp decline mainly a result of strike by Toronto civic workers
Back-to-school spending on par with last year
Consumer confidence rebounds in August
Retail sales have risen in five of the last six months
First increase in nine months