Supermarket sales in
Japan fell for the first time in eight months in February as food prices continue to soar, according to the latest industry data.
According to the
Japan Chain Stores Association, sales at major stores across the country totalled about 1 trillion yen ($7 billion) last month, down 2 per cent in yen terms from the previous year, reports
Xinhua news agency.
Food sales, accounting for nearly 70 per cent of the total, fell 1.7 per cent, the association said, while sales of clothing and cosmetics rose as people went out more as the Covid-19 pandemic subsided.
Officials at the association said that consumers are buying less per
shopping trip as they are becoming more cost-conscious and thrifty amid rising food prices.
SEE ALSO:
Weighed down by a strong dollar, Rupee falls 24 paise to close at 82.44/USD
Starbucks new CEO Laxman Narasimhan to work as barista in stores every month
