TokYO Jiji Press - Department store sales surged 20.4% in February from a year ago on a same-store basis, for the 12th consecutive month, the Japan Department Stores AssociationDepartment Stores Association said Thursday.
The rise was supported by strong sales linked to Valentine's Day and ehomaki seasonal sushi rolls. The sales of duty-free goods, a measure of purchases by foreign visitors to Japan, more than quadrupled.
Sales of women's jackets and blouses were robust, with the approach of graduation and school entrance ceremonies in the spring. The relaxation of mask-wearing guidelines resulted in a rise in cosmetics sales.
Sales of department stores in locations outside Tokyo and nine other major cities grew 13.2%.
The Japan Chain Stores Association said in February supermarket sales fell 2.0% from a year ago, the first decline in eight months. Food sales fell by 1.7%, because of a string of price increases.