Apparel sales decline at Japanese stores in 2018

Apparel sales declined for the fifth consecutive year at department stores to 1,772,568 million yen, showing a drop of 3.1 per cent, according to the Japan Department Stores Association comprising 219 stores owned by 79 companies.

Unfavourable weather was the main reason for declining apparel sales. Menswear and womenswear sales dropped 2.8 per cent each to 385,936 million yen and 1,131,839 million yen respectively, while kidswear sales fell 3.9 per cent to 135,506 million yen. Sales of other garments too were down 6.5 per cent to 119,287 million yen.

Meanwhile, apparel sales decreased by 5.3 per cent year-on-year to 1,009,400 million yen, at 10,447 stores owned by 58 companies, all members of the Japan Chain Stores Association. This is the 27th straight decrease in apparel sales at chain stores, according to the association. (RKS)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India