To use this site, please disable the ad blocking feature and reload the page.
This website uses cookies to collect information about your visit for purposes such as showing you personalized ads and content, and analyzing our website traffic. By clicking “Accept all,” you will allow the use of these cookies.
Users accessing this site from EEA countries and UK are unable to view this site without your consent. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.
Reuters file photo Women walk in a shopping district in Tokyo in February.
Jiji Press
17:50 JST, May 25, 2022
TOKYO (Jiji Press) — Department store sales in Japan in April rose 19% from a year earlier on a same-store basis thanks to a recovery in customer traffic as the government fully lifted its COVID-19 pre-emergency measures in late March, industry data showed Tuesday.
Overall sales at 190 stores across the country came to ¥377.8 billion, the Japan Department Stores Association said. Same-store sales grew for the second straight month.
Sales of clothing surged more than 20% due to robust demand for spring and summer items amid higher temperatures. Sales of suits were also brisk as schools and companies held entrance ceremonies once again after refraining to do so amid the pandemic.
Jewelry sales remained solid, and food sales increased, led by confectioneries for gifts.
There was a massive number of customers at department stores during the Golden Week holiday period from late April to early May, when there were no movement restrictions linked to COVID-19 in place, a senior association official said.
Since the beginning of May, sales at major department stores have been much higher than the year-before level.
Separately, the Japan Chain Stores Association said supermarket sales across the country in April increased 2.1% on a same-store basis. Total sales came to ¥1,068.7 billion.
Demand for clothing and leisure goods was strong, while food sales dropped for the first time in 12 months as people started eating out again.
