The Japan Department Stores Association reported that nationwide sales at member stores (80 firms, 226 stores) in October 2017 decreased by 1.8% compared to the same month of last year to 469,373 million yen, the first decrease in three months. The wealthy class and inbound demand continued to support sales, but the typhoons that hit Japan for two consecutive weeks and the fact October had one less Saturday had an impact on the number of shoppers.
Apparel sales declined by 4.3% to 159,858 million yen, the first decrease in two months. Sales by item were: men’s wear, 36,667 million yen (down 0.4%); women’s wear, 101,774 million yen (down 5.3%); and children’s wear, 10,640 million yen (down 4.2%). The decrease in temperature resulted in favorable sales of coats and sweaters, but it wasn’t enough to increase sales over the year before.
According to the Japan Chain Stores Association (56 firms, 9,744 stores), sales in October decreased by 1.9% from the same month of last year to 1,059,011 million yen. Of this, apparel sales declined by 1.8% to 89,609 million yen: men’s wear, 18,017 million yen (down 2.9%); women’s wear, 25,127 million yen (down 3.9%); and other garments, 46,464 million yen (down 0.2%).
In men’s wear, sales were favorable for suits, outerwear, training wear and casual shirts, while sales of casual pants were slow.
Favorable items in women’s wear included jackets, knitwear, outerwear and cut-and-sewn articles, whereas sales were sluggish for formal wear, blouses, casual pants and long-sleeve shirts.
Well-selling items in other garments were men’s and women’s pajamas, men’s and women’s underwear, boys’ and girls’ outerwear and rainwear.