According to the Japan Department Stores Association, nationwide same-store sales at member stores (81 firms, 234 stores) decreased by 2.4% in November 2016 compared to the same month of last year to 525,791 million yen, thus decreasing for the ninth consecutive month. November had one less holiday, and the sales decrease reflected stagnant domestic market conditions.
Inbound sales declined for the eighth straight month with a 7.1% decline in November
Sales of apparel sales decreased by 2.4% to 168,489 million yen, down for 13 straight months. Sales of winter garments showed signs of a recovery as the temperature decreased, but the recovery was not strong enough for sales to surpass November 2015 figures. The breakdown of apparel sales (including accessories) was: men’s wear, 39,351 million yen (down 2.8%); women’s wear, 106,835 million yen (down 2.0%); and children’s wear, 10,557 million yen (down 3.6%).
Meanwhile, sales of cosmetics rose by 5.1%, thus rising for twenty consecutive months.