TOKYO, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Tax-free sales at department stores across Japan remained strong in October, boosted by increased visitors during China's National Day "golden week" holiday, data showed on Monday.

Total tax-free sales at the stores amounted to 50.8 billion yen (about 329 million U.S. dollars), a 32.3-percent year-on-year increase, according to the Japan Department Stores Association.

From January to October 2024, total tax-free sales reached 534.7 billion yen, exceeding last year's record-high total of 348.4 billion yen by over 50 percent.

However, department store sales across Japan fell for the first time in more than two years last month as a result of unseasonably warm weather, which dampened sales of autumn and winter clothing.

Nationwide sales totaled 447.7 billion yen in October, marking a 0.7 percent drop year on year on a same-store basis. The record-high temperatures, with summer-like days persisting, were cited as the main reason for sluggish sales in seasonal apparel.

As temperatures return to normal and the season for Christmas shopping is set to come, the association expects sales to pick up in the coming months. (1 yen equals 0.0065 U.S. dollars) Enditem

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