Canadian retail sales increased 1.1% to C$41.62bn ($38.46bn) in April, hitting a record in terms of the level of sales,

According to Statistics Canada, this is the fourth consecutive rise in April, aided by demand for new cars rebounded after two moderate months.

During the month, overall gains were reported in ten of eleven subsectors, representing 98% of total retail sales.

Retail sales, in volume terms, increased by 0.8%.

Sales in vehicle and parts dealers recorded the largest growth, up by 2.4%, among all subsectors.

Food and beverage stores sales rose 0.6%, for the fifth consecutive month, on a 2.1% gain in sales of beer, wine and spirits.

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Supermarkets and other grocery stores sales were also up at 0.2%, while sales at convenience stores 1.1% and specialty food stores 0.6%.

Increased sales were also reported at general merchandise stores, 0.9%; clothing retailers, 1.5%; and electronics outlets, 1.2%.

Sales increased for the sixth time in seven months at both health and personal care stores 0.8% and gasoline stations 0.4%

Geographically, sales were up in six provinces in April. Higher sales were in Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia accounted for most of the increase.

Sales in Ontario rose for the third time in four months while sales in Alberta declined for the first time in 2014.