According to the Japan Department Stores Association, nationwide same-store sales (75 companies, 206 stores) dropped 12.2% in February compared to the same month of last year to 366,127 million yen, thus decreasing for five consecutive months. As a result of the rampant coronavirus, shoppers decreased by about 10%. Inbound demand fell to a low level, and sales of winter articles remained stagnant due to the warm winter weather. February sales of apparel (including apparel accessories) fell 15.9% to 95,107 million yen. Sales declined for all apparel items: women’s wear, 60,541 million yen (down 17.8%); men’s wear, 20,312 million yen (down 9.8%); children’s wear, 7,726 million yen (down 15.5%); and other […]

The Japan Chain Stores Association (55 firms, 10,548 stores) reported that same-store sales in February 2020 increased by 4.1% over the same month of last year to 937,621 million yen, thus increasing for the first time in five months. Sales increasing factors included the facts that February 2020 had 29 days as 2020 is a leap year, and that the coronavirus increased sales of food in the second half of the month as more people stayed at home. Sales of apparel continued to show a decrease (down 3.9% in February to 51,198 million yen). Sales of women’s and men’s wear suffered setbacks, as shoppers were reluctant to buy outerwear. Sales […]

Amid the rapid spread of COVID-19 around the world, DyStar’s global operations continue to adapt to the development of the situation and to mitigate potential risks or impacts across the business. While the trajectory is unknown, DyStar is guided by recommendations from the World Health Organization and local government authorities to proactively address situations that could possibly affect its people and customers. This is to ensure that it has effective plans and standard procedures to minimize the disruption of its global operations. As a globally operating company, each of its operating sites, manufacturing plants, offices have a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) in place to sustain its operations and the supply […]