Japan Department Stores Post Record September Duty-Free Sales

Department stores in Japan recorded their highest-ever September duty-free sales, while the number of tax-free shoppers also increased, supported by inbound tourism and the yen’s depreciation, industry data showed, Kyodo News reported.

Shoppers at a Japanese department store as duty-free sales and visitor numbers increase. [Photo: Tokumeigakarinoaoshima]

Duty-free sales in September rose 25.3% from a year earlier to approximately ¥49.64 billion ($316 million), marking the seventh consecutive month of growth.

The number of tax-free shoppers increased 5.9% to about 491,000, the first year-on-year increase in two months, according to the Japan Department Stores Association.

Average spending per customer climbed 18.3% from a year earlier to approximately ¥101,000.

The association attributed the increase in visitors from South Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong partly to public holidays and the yen’s depreciation.

Meanwhile, the number of shoppers from China fell by about 15%, although their total purchases increased approximately 7%, reflecting higher spending per customer.