TOKYO, March 24 (Xinhua) — Supermarket gross sales in Japan fell for the primary time in eight months in February as meals costs proceed to soar, in keeping with the most recent trade information.
According to the Japan Chain Stores Association, gross sales at main shops throughout the nation totaled about 1 trillion yen (7.6 billion U.S. {dollars}) final month, down 2 % in yen phrases from the earlier 12 months.
Food gross sales, accounting for almost 70 % of the entire, fell 1.7 %, the affiliation stated, whereas gross sales of clothes and cosmetics rose as folks went out extra because the COVID-19 pandemic subsides.
Officials on the affiliation stated that buyers are shopping for much less per purchasing journey as they’re changing into extra cost-conscious and thrifty amid rising meals costs.