Four major department store operators announced their September sales. Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings reported an 8.3% year-on-year increase for domestic department stores overall, while J. FRONT RETAILING reported a 0.8% decline.
According to preliminary September sales figures announced by four major department store operators, Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings reported an 8.3% year-on-year increase for domestic department stores overall, J. FRONT RETAILING a 0.8% decline, H2O RETAILING a 9.5% increase for all stores overall, and Takashimaya a 2.4% increase for domestic department stores overall.
At Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings' stores, sales increased 11.5% at Isetan Shinjuku Main Store, 9.2% at Mitsukoshi Nihombashi Main Store and 19.9% at Mitsukoshi Ginza Store, among others, resulting in an 11.0% increase for Isetan Mitsukoshi overall.
Although J. FRONT RETAILING's sales to corporate customers and duty-free sales exceeded the previous year's results, the reduction in selling space at its Umeda store had an impact, resulting in a 0.8% decline for the department store business overall.
H2O RETAILING saw strong growth at stores including its Hankyu flagship store, and sales increased 9.5% for all stores overall, driven by growth in duty-free sales and an increase in overseas customers. Takashimaya's overall sales increased 2.4%, supported by firm autumn apparel sales to domestic customers and growth in duty-free sales.