According to the Japan Department Stores Association, same-store sales of apparel (including accessories) at member stores across Japan (76 firms, 208 stores) dropped 8.6% in November compared to the same month of last year to 144,631 million yen.
The warm weather during the first half of the month affected sales of winter garments. As a result of a drop in temperature in the month’s second half, sales of coats and other heavy garments increased, but were unable to cover the sales decrease during the month’s first half.
November apparel sales decreased across the board: women’s wear, 92,711 million yen (down 8.1%); men’s wear, 34,200 million yen (down 9.2%); and children’s wear, 8,560 million yen (down 8.0%).
Total sales declined by 6.0% to 493,789 million yen.