January sales of major supermarkets nationwide increased for the fourth straight month, with clothing sales declining due to self-restraint from going out, while food growth increased by more than 1% over the same month last year.
According to the Japan Chain Stores Association, January sales of 10,997 major supermarkets nationwide were 1,064.8 billion yen, an increase of 1.2% compared to existing stores that were open at the same time last year, 4 It has increased for months in a row.
As emergency declarations were issued in 11 prefectures and movements to refrain from going out were widespread, clothing sales fell sharply by 20.1%.
On the other hand, many people eat at home, and foods, which account for nearly 70% of sales, increased by 6.2%.
In particular, sales of relatively long-lasting vegetables such as potatoes and radishes and frozen foods are strong.
Atsushi Inoue, Managing Director of the Japan Chain Stores Association, said, "I feel that lifestyles are becoming more and more home-based, and consumers are becoming more frugal. Food products necessary for daily life are boosting sales, but leisure activities, etc. The move to refrain from consumption will continue after the lifting of the emergency declaration, "he said, with a cautious view of personal consumption.