Record sales at McDonald's

McDonald's Holdings Co. (Japan) said Thursday its sales hit an all-time monthly high of ¥49.73 billion in March due to increased customer convenience and successful sales campaign.

The previous record was ¥49.65 billion in March 2009.

McDonald's Holdings attributed the new sales record in March to more early morning and round-the-clock operations at its restaurants as well as a special sales campaign in which it sold hamburgers containing larger-than-usual patties.

Takeshimaya sags

Department store chain Takashimaya Co. said Friday its operating revenue and profit declined in the year to February as consumption sagged on slack consumer sentiment combined with employment fears, asset price falls and worries about the future.

Its group net profit in fiscal 2009 fell 34.4 percent from the previous year to ¥7.71 billion as operating revenue decreased 10.1 percent to ¥877.76 billion.