Sales at most major department stores fell around 10 percent in December from a year earlier as the economic downturn dampened spending on luxury items and clothing during the holiday season, according to company figures released Monday.
Takashimaya Co. said sales dropped 10.2 percent despite a yearend bargain sale, declining for all major items excluding groceries and artwork.
J. Front Retailing Co., established through the merger of Daimaru Inc. and Matsuzakaya Holdings Co. in 2007, said sales at Matsuzakaya tumbled 16.1 percent, while sales at Daimaru fell 9.0 percent as consumers cut back on buying winter coats, luxury brand Christmas gifts and other high-end products.