Japan Retail Sales YoY

Retail sales in Japan increased 1.7% year-on-year in October 2025, accelerating from a downwardly revised 0.2% rise in the previous month, surpassing market expectations for a 0.8% increase and marking the fastest pace since June. Sales advanced in machinery and equipment (8.0%), pharmaceuticals and cosmetics (5.1%), automobiles (4.8%), other retail categories (3.6%), and department stores (3.1%). By contrast, declines were seen in fuel (-3.3%), non-store retailers (-3.3%), textiles, clothing, and personal goods (-1.7%), and food and beverages (-0.2%). On a monthly basis, retail sales climbed 1.6% in October, following a downwardly revised stall in September and marking the strongest growth in three months.