Sales at department stores nationwide last year exceeded the previous year's by more than 13%, increasing for the second consecutive year, due to the easing of restrictions on movement due to the corona crisis.

According to the Japan Department Stores Association, sales at department stores nationwide last year totaled 4,981.2 billion yen, an increase of 13.1% over the previous year when comparing existing stores.



The main factors are the recovery in the number of customers since the easing of restrictions on movement due to the corona disaster in March last year, and the rapid increase in inbound customers due to the relaxation of border measures and the effects of the weaker yen.



Sales have increased for the second year in a row, and have recovered to about 90% compared to 2019 before COVID-19.



On the other hand, last month's sales also exceeded the previous year's sales by 4% compared to existing stores, marking the 10th consecutive month of positive growth.



The main factors were the strong sales of high-priced items such as luxury brands and jewelry during the year-end sales season, and the sales of winter clothes due to the drop in temperature.



Regarding the outlook for this year, the Japan Department Stores Association said, "It is assumed that both new corona measures and economic activities will be maintained, but the growth rate will slow down somewhat, but I think the recovery trend will continue."