The Globe and Mail reports in its Saturday, Nov. 22, edition that retail sales fell in September and early indications suggest a flat reading for October, ahead of the key holiday shopping season. A Canadian Press dispatch to The Globe reports that Statistics Canada said Friday retail sales were down 0.7 per cent to $69.8-billion in September as sales of new cars fell. TD economist Maria Solovieva said retail sales are heading into the holiday season on shaky footing. She said, "September recorded a renewed decline, and early signals point to a flat reading in October." Statistics Canada reported retail sales in September fell in six of the nine subsectors it tracks. Sales for motor vehicle and parts dealers fell 2.9 per cent, weighed down by a 3.6-per-cent decline at new car dealers. User car dealers saw a gain of 0.5 per cent, while other motor vehicle dealers dropped 1.6 per cent and automotive parts, accessories and tire retailers fell 0.4 per cent. Core retail sales were relatively unchanged in September. In volume terms, overall retail sales dropped 0.8 per cent in September. The retail sales report comes ahead of the Bank of Canada's next interest rate decision set for Dec. 10.