Japan’s retail sales regained ground in September following a sharp drop the month before, an indication that shoppers felt more comfortable spending as virus infections started to fall from August’s peak.
Higher outlays on clothing, accessories and general merchandise helped receipts at retailers rise 2.7% from the previous month, the economy ministry data reported Thursday. Analysts had expected a 1.5% increase from August.
Sales gained 1.2% in the quarter compared with three months earlier, the fastest increase in a year.