Japan Convenience Store Sales Down 1.2 Pct in May

June 20, 2018

Tokyo- Convenience store sales in Japan in May dropped 1.2 pct from a year earlier to 805.3 billion yen on a same-store basis, the first fall in five months, an industry group said Wednesday.

Convenience stores saw fewer customers due to many rainy days in various parts of the country, according to the Japan Franchise Association.

The total number of customers fell 2.5 pct to 1,331.73 million, down for the 27th consecutive month, also weighed down by intensified competition with other retail outlets, such as drug stores.

Meanwhile, per-customer spending increased 1.3 pct to 604 yen for the 38th straight month of growth, thanks to brisk sales of side dishes and frozen food. Jiji Press