Japan Dec retail sales down 0.3 pct year-on-year - UPDATE |
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Mon, 29 Jan 2007 08:00
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TOKYO (XFN-ASIA) - Retail sales were 0.3 pct lower last month than a year before, falling for the second straight month, largely because of unusually mild winter weather here, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said.Sales of general merchandise were 2.1 pct lower last month than a year before and sales of fabrics, apparel and accessories fell 3.1 pct because of diminished demand for heating appliances and winter clothing, the ministry said.Sales of fuel declined 0.5 pct, falling for the first time in 33 months.Sales at large retail stores fell 3.4 pct after adjustment for the change in the number of stores, declining for the the third straight month, and fell 2.6 pct on an unadjusted basis.Sales at the wholesale level were up 3.9 pct, rising for the 31st consecutive month, and combined sales at the wholesale and retail levels rose 2.9 pct, also rising for the 31st month in a row.An official of the ministry said wholesale sales were supported by sales of machinery and equipment, which rose 8.1 pct, by exports of vehicles and by sales of semiconductors and other electronic devices.(1 usd = 121.80 yen)kaori.kaneko@xfn.com
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AFX economic and business calendar to Thursday Jan 25 