Sales of major supermarkets nationwide over the last year increased by 0.9% from the previous year due to so-called nesting demand due to the spread of the new coronavirus infection, the first increase in five years.
According to the Japan Chain Stores Association, sales of 10,975 major supermarkets nationwide over the last year were 12,759.7 billion yen, an increase of 0.9% compared to existing stores that were open the previous year. ..
It is the first time in five years that supermarket sales have been positive for the first time since 2015, when there was a reactionary increase in the consumption tax hike in the previous year.
Due to the spread of the new coronavirus infection, the number of people eating at home increased, and as a result, “food”, which accounts for nearly 70% of sales, increased by 4.7%.
On the other hand, “clothing” decreased by 16.9% due to the spread of telecommuting, which was the largest decrease since 1977 when statistics were collected using the current method.
Atsushi Inoue, Managing Director of the Japan Chain Stores Association, said at a press conference, "The overall result was positive, but it is not a pleasure because of the effects of infectious diseases. Consumers' eyes on prices are becoming stricter, and purchasing power is as strong as the numbers. I don't feel strong and the tendency to be influenced by infectious diseases will continue for the time being. "