Last month's nationwide convenience store sales fell 2.2% from the same month last year, down for the ninth straight month, due to continued refraining from going out due to the effects of the new coronavirus.
According to the Japan Franchise Association, sales at convenience stores nationwide last month were 850 billion yen on an existing store basis, 2.2% lower than the same month last year.
Sales fell mainly at convenience stores in central Tokyo due to the introduction of telework and refraining from going out due to the spread of the new coronavirus infection.
Sales have declined for the ninth straight month.
However, looking at sales per customer, sales of hygiene products such as masks and disinfectants were strong, so sales increased by 8.6% from the same month last year, increasing for 14 consecutive months.
According to the Japan Franchise Association, the outlook is uncertain due to the rapid spread of infection and the increasing tendency to refrain from going out during the year-end and New Year holidays.