Sales in the retail trade sector edged down 0.1% in August to $51.5 billion. Sales were down in six subsectors, representing 51% of retail trade. After removing the effects of price changes, retail sales in volume terms increased 0.2%. Following a 0.6% increase in July, sales at food and beverage stores declined 0.8% in August. Decreases were reported at three out of four store types within the subsector. A decrease in sales at supermarkets and other grocery stores (-0.8%) offset gains from July, when sales increased 0.8%. Receipts at beer, wine and liquor stores (-1.9%) were down for the first time in three months. ... (full story)