Retail sales were flat in March, holding at $39.5 billion. After removing the effects of price changes, particularly lower gasoline prices, retail sales in volume terms rose 0.7%.Higher sales were reported in 6 of 11 subsectors, representing 47% of total retail sales. The largest increase in sales among all subsectors was a 3.1% rise at clothing and clothing accessories stores. Higher sales at clothing stores led the gain, rising 3.5%, the third increase in four months. Sales at shoe stores (+0.9%) advanced for a fourth straight month. Following three consecutive monthly declines, gains were reported by jewellery, ... (full story)