Canadian retail sales rose slightly more than expected in October, nearly matching the increase seen the month before, official data showed Wednesday. Retail sales rose 1.0 percent to C$38.6 billion in October, a third consecutive monthly increase and a new record high. Economists predicted a more modest 0.6 percent advance. Higher prices at the pump boosted sales at gas stations, while a busier month at new car dealerships helped lift sales in the motor vehicle industry. Sales at food and beverage stores increased for a fifth consecutive month, and shoppers getting a head start on the holidays may have helped clothing and jewelry sales rise. Retail sales rose in eight provinces in October, with the Western provinces reporting the highest growth. Volumes were also up for a third month in a row, rising 0.6 percent in October.