Statistics Canada says retail sales fell 0.1% in September to $51.6 billion, weighed down by lower sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers and gasoline stations.
The result matched the expectations of economists, according to financial markets data firm Refinitiv.
The overall decline came as sales in the motor vehicle and parts dealers subsector fell 1% due to a 1.9% drop at new car dealers. Sales at gasoline stations fell 2.3%, due in part to lower prices.
Statistics Canada says excluding these two subsectors, retail sales rose 0.7%.
Sales at food and beverage stores rose 1.2%, boosted by a 1.1% increase at supermarkets and other grocery stores and a 3.2% increase at beer, wine and liquor stores. Building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers saw sales rise 3.3%.
Overall retail sales in volume terms fell 0.1%.