Retail condition in November

Department Stores in the Sun, and GMS in the Shadow

According to the Japan Department Stores Association, sales in November 2001 at Japanese department stores (119 firms with 298 outlets) were 743.6 billion yen, up 2.3% compared to the same month of the previous year. This increase was due to favorable apparel sales affected by reforms of stores and special events. Because the system to take orders for year-end gifts earlier was successful, sales of food also increased.

By area, sales increased for 12 consecutive months in Hokkaido. In the Kinki district, a high growth rate, which has not been reached since March 1997, was recorded. A high growth rate equalling April 1998 was recorded also in Kyushu. By product, sales of casual wear and coats were favorable in the section of men's wear. As for women's wear, sales of jackets, sweaters and coats were favorable. In the area of sundries, accessories, watches and cosmetics sold well.

According to the Japan Chain Stores Association, sales at Japanese mass-merchandisers (104 firms with 6,419 outlets) in November 2001 were 1,257.8 billion yen, down 4.5% compared to the same month of the previous year. This recorded a decrease for three consecutive years according to monthly statistics. Compared to October 2001, the amount of the decrease became smaller. Although the number of customers coming to stores was almost equal to the number of the previous year, unit prices have continuously been falling.

By product, apparel decreased by 5.4%. Mufflers, coats and men's wear priced below 10,000 yen sold well whereas shirts, skirts and scarves did not sell well. The number of outlets decreased by 47 compared to the previous year. Since May 2000, the number of outlets has kept decreasing compared to the corresponding month of the previous year. Because some firms are expected to leave the Association, and some stores are expected to stop operation, the number of the member stores and the store space are expected to continue decreasing.