The Japan Department Stores Association reported that nationwide sales in February 2017 (81 firms, 234 stores) decreased by 1.7% compared to the same month of last year to 433,666 million yen, thus decreasing for the twelfth consecutive month.
Because 2016 was a leap year, sales days numbered one day less, and Saturdays were also one day less.
Apparel sales declined by 4.5% to 124,166 million yen, as sales of spring items were slow because the temperature decreased in the first half of the month. February apparel sales declined for 16 consecutive months.
The sales of apparel including accessories decreased across the board: men’s wear, 25,513 million yen (down 0.4%); women’s wear, 79,377 million yen (down 5.9%); and children’s wear, 9,947 million yen (down 4.0%).