(MENAFN) Japan’s nationwide supermarket sales climbed 3.1 percent in July compared to the previous year, marking the fifth straight month of annual growth, according to data from the Japan Chain Stores Association.

Food sales, which represent roughly 70 percent of total supermarket revenue, rose 3.6 percent. This gain helped offset declines in certain categories as consumers grappled with ongoing price increases and tightened budgets.

Demand for rice weakened due to higher prices, but frozen foods and bread saw robust sales. The hot summer weather also drove increased purchases of chilled noodles and ready-to-eat items like tempura.

In contrast, sales of household goods dropped 1.4 percent, while apparel sales fell 2.8 percent.

The association observed that shoppers continued to stock up on daily necessities during promotional sales, but escalating summer costs are forcing many households to reduce overall food spending, highlighting growing sensitivity to price changes.

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