Apparel retail sales in Japan has gone down by 40 % in the first half of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019,says recent data by Japan Department Stores Association (JDSA). The decline has been noted both in the first quarter from January-March of 2020 as well as in the COVID-19 hit quarter April-June. A monthly surge can be seen from mid-May onwards, as the state of emergency was lifted in stages in the entire country from May 14, 2020 before being ending fully on May 25, 2020.
As a result, growth in June ’20 over May ’20 was overwhelming, which signals a significant number of shoppers have come out to purchase apparels post-pandemic. The yearly decline shows lingering fears of infections in the country amongst majority of fashion shoppers. Monthly surge of 217 % was massive in June ’20 over May ’20 which is a clear indication that rebounding of apparel market post-outbreak has started. In COVID-19 affected quarter from April-June ’20, Japanese apparel sales revenues declined 66.81 % to USD1.27 billion. Sales in January-March ’20 quarter declined 22.30 % to USD3.28 billion from the same period of 2019.
Revenues earned from women’s wear in Q2 ’20 was valued at USD 817.24 million, a decline of 66.42 % from Q2 ’19 and 60.14 % from the preceding quarter of 2020 when it accommodated USD2.05 billion. Menswear clocked in USD290.40 revenues in COVID-19 hit quarter April-June 2020, while January-March 2020 could collect USD709.25 million from its sales.
June 2020, sales in kidswear fell 7.40 % over June ’19. However, a monthly surge of 49.66 % was recorded in kidswear sales in June 2020 over May 2020.