According to the Japan Department Stores Association, same store sales in April (80 firms, 220 stores) increased by 0.7% over the same month of last year to 456,543 million yen, thus increasing for the second consecutive month.
Despite favorable sales of spring/summer garments, apparel sales decreased by 1.3% to 148,842 million yen, decreasing for five consecutive months. Apparel sales decreased across the board: men’s wear, 31,980 million yen (down 0.1%); women’s wear, 93,005 million yen (down 1.3%); and children’s wear, 14,501 million yen (down 2.4%).