Japan department store sales down 9.1% in January

February 19, 2009
By Ken Worsley

On the back of employment and income growth concerns, Japan’s department stores took a big hit during the recent New Year’s shopping season. According to data released today by the Japan Department Store Association, sales at department stores nationwide fell 9.1% in January, marking the eleventh consecutive month of decline. The survey covered sales at 90 department store operators, with 279 shops. Both the number of companies and the number of stores was one lower than a month ago.

Here is the breakdown of sales by individual categories:

Clothing: 44.0% of total sales, down 11.9%
Personal Effects: 13.0% of total sales, down 12.5%
Miscellaneous Goods: 11.9% of total sales, down 13.2%
Household Goods: 4.5% of total sales, down 10.2%
Food: 21.4% of total sales, up 0.7%
Services: 0.9% of total sales, up 0.5%
Other: 1.6% of total sales, up 11.7%
Gift Certificates: 2.2% of total sales, down 13.4%

The figures also show that sales of artwork, jewelry and precious metals fell 19.1% to 21.74 billion yen, showing a decline for the 23rd straight month. Clothing sales have now fallen for 19 straight months.

Filed Under Department Stores, Economic Reports, Retail