The Globe and Mail reports in its Friday edition that retail sales in December came in slightly stronger than expected, driven by strong sales for new cars and parts. A Canadian Press dispatch to The Globe says that Statistics Canada reported retail sales rose 0.9 per cent to $67.3-billion in the month, while sales were up in five of nine subsectors. For the full year, retail sales finished 2023 at $794.4-billion -- up 2.2 per cent from 2022. Canadian retailers ended the year on solid footing, which was a tick above the advance estimate and consensus. Sales in the motor vehicle and parts dealers category gained for the fourth straight month. Pent-up consumer demand post-COVID-19 has boosted sales as cars are more readily available. Some consumers are becoming more cautious with mortgages up for renewal. CIBC Capital Markets economist Katherine Judge said Thursday that Canadian retailers finished the year on a strong note. The sales in the fourth quarter were mainly focused on automobiles, which made up 77 per cent of the quarterly increase. These sales were facilitated by a reduction in supply constraints, which does not pose a risk to inflation according to the Bank of Canada.