Sales at supermarkets and department stores continued their downward spiral in fiscal 2001 as the prolonged economic slump and worsening joblessness undermined consumer confidence, according to industry data released Wednesday.

According to the Japan Chain Stores Association, supermarket sales fell 4.8 percent from the previous year to 15,467.10 billion yen in fiscal 2001, declining for the sixth year in a row.

The Japan Department Stores Association said sales at department stores edged down 0.3 percent to 8.531 trillion yen, down for the fifth consecutive year.