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RAPAPORT... Japan's department store same-store sales rose 2.7 percent year on year in August to $4.4 billion (JPY 429.1 billion), marking the first increase in two months, according to the Japan Department Stores Association.
The strongest growth rate for any product group came from the art, jewelry and precious metals category, which reported an 18.3 percent increase in sales at $231 million (JPY 22.8 billion).
The monthly report noted that a prolonged heat wave across Japan helped to boost retail sales as consumers sought cooler clothing and accessories as well as luxurious brands. A weaker yen also attracted more tourists to the country in August, especially vacationers from Hong Kong and South Korea.
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