Covid-19 exacerbates apparel-sales down in Japan
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Sales of apparel and accessories at Japanese department stores plummeted 40 percent last month compared with a year earlier.
The figures were released by the Japan Department Stores Association showing the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on its member businesses. Data showed ¥97,548 million (US$911.5 million) in revenues for the month, compared to ¥243,870 million ($2.28 billion) for March last year.
According to the association’s data, based on member polls, womenswear sales fell 44.2 percent during the period, with menswear falling 39.7 percent and kidswear 24.9 percent.
Covid-19 is not the sole factor in the industry downturn, with sales figures already dropping since October last year, well before the coronavirus was discovered.
The downward trend was aggravated by the Japanese administration’s restrictions on movement and by temporary store closures during the pandemic.
Questions & Answers
Q.By how much did overall sales of apparel and accessories drop in Japanese department stores last month?
By how much did overall sales of apparel and accessories drop in Japanese department stores last month?
Sales of apparel and accessories at Japanese department stores plummeted 40 percent last month compared with the same period a year earlier. This drop was revealed in figures released by the Japan Department Stores Association.
Q.What was the total revenue for Japanese department stores last month from apparel and accessories sales?
What was the total revenue for Japanese department stores last month from apparel and accessories sales?
Last month, revenues from apparel and accessories sales reached ¥97,548 million, which is equivalent to US$911.5 million. This figure was significantly lower than the previous year's performance.
Q.Were apparel sales already in decline before the Covid-19 outbreak in Japan?
Were apparel sales already in decline before the Covid-19 outbreak in Japan?
Yes, sales figures were already dropping since October last year, well before the coronavirus was discovered. Covid-19 aggravated an existing downward trend in the industry.
Q.Which specific apparel category saw the largest decline in sales last month?
Which specific apparel category saw the largest decline in sales last month?
Womenswear sales saw the largest decline, falling 44.2 percent during the period. Menswear sales dropped by 39.7 percent, while kidswear sales decreased by 24.9 percent.
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