Japan's department stores and apparel retailers see strong July sales

In July 2026, five of Japan's leading department store chains reported sales that surpassed the same month a year earlier. Mitsukoshi Isetan saw its Isetan Shinjuku flagship up 16%, the Nihombashi store up 8% and the Ginza store up 11%, while Takashimaya recorded an 8% rise in domestic sales driven by luxury goods, jewelry and watches. Daimaru Matsuzakaya posted double‑digit growth at its Sapporo, Kobe, Shinsaibashi and Kyoto locations, though its Osaka store saw a modest 3% decline. Hankyu Hanshin reported 17% and 18% increases at its Umeda and Hanshin Osaka stores respectively, marking four consecutive months of double‑digit growth. Kintetsu’s Abeno Harukas store added 7% as limited‑time events and popular characters attracted more visitors. Both domestic shoppers and inbound tourists contributed, with duty‑free sales jumping 31% at Mitsukoshi Isetan, 26% at Takashimaya and 22% at Daimaru Matsuzakaya.

Apparel retailers also benefited from the heat wave. Uniqlo’s domestic sales rose 4.3% year‑over‑year, helped by strong demand for UV‑protective and breathable summer garments. Ryohin Keikaku (MUJI) posted a 9.5% increase, while other chains such as United Arrows, Workman and ADST reported double‑digit gains, especially in summer‑oriented clothing, accessories and fan‑related items.