Japan Dept Store Jewelry Sales Decline 9.5% in November

Another decline in department store sales in Japan was registered in November. Same-store sales fell 6.4 percent compared to November 2007 and jewelry sales declined 9.5 percent, according to the Japan Department Stores Association.

Total sales totaled 649.13 billion yen ($7.262 billion) while department store sales in Tokyo fell 7.2 percent, the ninth consecutive month of decline.

Sales of cosmetics, artwork and precious metals dropped 9.5 percent together with jewelry. These categories fared better than home products, including furniture and electrical appliances, which lost 14.5 percent.

Food sales, however fared better with a small 0.6 percent gain thanks to the hurting economy - a growing number of families spend their evenings together at home.