Japan Retail Sales Growth Above Forecasts

Retail sales in Japan climbed by 2.0% year-on-year in June 2025, accelerating slightly from a downwardly revised 1.9% rise in the previous month and exceeding market expectations of 1.8% growth.

This marked the 39th consecutive month of retail sales growth, with rising wages continuing to support consumption.

Sales increased for other retail sales (6.0%), pharmaceuticals & cosmetics (5.2%), clothing & personal goods (5.0%), machinery & equipment (4.8%), non-store retailers (2.8%), and food & beverages (1.7%).

In contrast, sales declined at department stores (-6.2%), fuel (-4.2%), and automobiles (-0.7%).

On a monthly basis, retail sales rose by 1.0% in June, rebounding from an upwardly revised 0.6% fall in May, marking the fastest pace in five months.