Japan Department Store Sales Down Again

For the 31st first straight month sales at department stores in September fell in Japan. Four of the big five department stores suffered same-store-sales declines with Isetan leading the way dropping 7.4% followed by Hankyu Hanshin with a 5% decrease and then Daimaru Matsuzakaya with a 3.7% drop and finally Takashimaya with a 3.6% fall. The reason for the 31st straight decrease in department store same-store sales – hot weather during the summer.

You would think by now department stores would understand the seasonal weather patterns and know it is hot in the summer and not sell fall/winter merchandise. Just another reason to introduce fashion collections in real time.

 * Data Japan Department Store Association