Japan’s Department Store Posts 2.6 Percent Surge in August Sales

2025-09-25 08:59:12

(MENAFN) Japan’s nationwide department store sales surged 2.6 percent year-on-year in August, marking their first growth in seven months, according to data released Thursday by the Japan Department Stores Association.

Total sales at these stores reached 413.9 billion yen (approximately 2.78 billion U.S. dollars) last month, highlighting a positive shift in consumer spending.

Despite this overall increase, tax-free sales continued to slide, dropping 4.7 percent to 44.1 billion yen, extending losses for the sixth consecutive month.

The number of duty-free shoppers rose sharply by 8.9 percent to a record 494,000 in August. However, average spending per shopper decreased by 12.4 percent.

Domestic sales climbed 3.5 percent, buoyed by strong demand for summer apparel, miscellaneous items, and holiday gift purchases.

Sales in Tokyo’s 23 wards and other major urban centers grew 2.9 percent, while regional areas posted a 1.4 percent rise—marking their first sales increase in 11 months.

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