Month: October 2017

The Japan Department Stores Association reported that same-store sales at member stores throughout the nation (80 firms, 226 stores) in September 2017 increased by 4.4% over the same month of last year to 435,162 million yen, thus increasing for the second consecutive month. Apparel sales rose for the first time in 23 months with a 2.4% rise to 134,445 million yen, as the decrease in temperature increased the movement of fall/winter items. Sales of accessories and personal belongings including luxury brands grew by 4.4% to 59,254 million yen, thus growing for two consecutive months. As a result of higher stock prices and weaker Japanese currency, wealthy people purchased more, and

According to the Japan Chain Stores Association (56 firms, 9,719 stores), same-stores sales in September 2017 decreased by 0.3% from the same month of last year to 1,004,938 million yen. Apparel sales were strong (up 1.4% to 75,778 million yen), while sales of household goods were low (down 2.1% to 191,347 million yen), and those of food were sluggish (down 0.1% to 677,906 million yen). The breakdown of apparel sales was: men’s wear, 12,779 million yen (up 1.2%): women’s wear, 21,657 million yen (up 0.9%); and other garments. 41,341 million yen (up 1.8%). With the decrease in temperature, men’s jackets and long-sleeve business shirts sold well, along with women’s formal