The Japanese retail industry recorded around *** trillion Japanese yen in sales in 2023, the highest value in the past 15 years.While non-food products constitute a significant share of the industry, food and beverages represent the largest segment in domestic retail trade. Retail channels The Japanese retail market is characterized by the strong presence of brick-and-mortar store retailing. Even though the e-commerce sector is emerging, consumers prefer physical stores to purchase everyday goods, cosmetics, and foodstuff in particular. However, non-store retailers are gradually gaining traction as potential customers are taking advantage of fast shipping and efficient customer services. Retail stores Retail stores in Japan encompass a variety of physical stores, ranging from small specialty retailers to large department stores. Within the food and beverage segment, supermarkets and convenience stores, so-called konbini, are the main points of sale for grocery shopping. In the non-food segments, department stores with their broad product range are competing with specialty retailers. Additionally, supermarkets are joining the competition, with fashion items reported as a major revenue source after foodstuff.

Retail Sales in Japan increased 1.70 percent in October of 2025 over the same month in the previous year. This dataset provides the latest reported value for - Japan Retail Sales YoY - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.

In 2023, the retail sales value of food and beverages in Japan amounted to over ** trillion Japanese yen, representing the largest retail segment. That year, the total sales of retail trade in Japan exceeded *** trillion yen.

The Report Includes Japan Travel Retail Market and is Segmented by Product Type (Fashion and Accessories, Wine & Spirits, Tobacco, Food & Confectionary, Fragrances and Cosmetics, Others), By Distribution Channel (Airports, Airlines, Ferries and Other Distribution Channels). The report offers market size and forecasts for the Japan Travel Retail Market in terms of value (USD Billion) for all the above segments.

In 2024, the sales value of the retail industry in Japan exceeded *** trillion Japanese, out of which supermarkets accounted for the largest share as a standalone store type. Convenience stores followed as the second-strongest retail type, with the sales of goods and services generating **** trillion yen.

Key information about Japan Retail Sales Growth

• Japan Retail Sales grew 1.8 % YoY in Oct 2025, compared with a 0.2 % increase in the previous month.
• Japan Retail Sales Growth YoY data is updated monthly, available from Oct 1992 to Oct 2025, with an average growth rate of -2.5 %.
• The data reached an all-time high of 12.1 % in Mar 1997 and a record low of -14.0 % in Mar 1998.
• In the latest reports, Car Sales of Japan recorded 395,189.0 units in Oct 2025, representing a drop of 1.8 %.

CEIC calculates monthly Retail Sales: Incl. Motor Vehicles Growth from monthly Retail Trade Index. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry provides Retail Trade Index with base 2020=100. Retail Sales: Incl. Motor Vehicles Growth prior to January 2003 is calculated from Retail Trade Index with base 2005=100, and prior to January 2001 is calculated from Retail Trade Index with base 1995=100.

In 2023, the wholesale and retail trade industry contributed around **** percent to the gross domestic product (GDP) of Japan. This represented a slight decline of *** percent compared to the previous year. The Japanese GDP reached a decade-low in 2022, but forecasts expected an upward trend for the future. Wholesaling in Japan The wholesale sector is an important link within Japanese supply networks, ensuring timely supply of raw materials and intermediate goods to manufacturers, as well as final goods to the consumer market. Wholesale corporations in Japan vary by capital structure and products, ranging from a large number of small sole proprietorships with a straightforward portfolio to a small share of large-scale general trading companies that deal with a broad range of goods. While the rise of e-commerce has opened new distribution routes for producers and manufacturers to market and sell to retailers and consumers directly, wholesalers managed to maintain their role as intermediaries in an environment characterized by trust-based business relations, smooth operations, and the importance of quality. Retailing in Japan The Japanese retail sector encompasses store-based and non-store businesses, with domestic consumers discovering the possibilities of online shopping not only for digital services but also for physical goods. While brick-and-mortar stores remained the preferred point of sales, trusted for their transparency and long-standing services, online shopping was gradually adopted as the alternative for non-durables and leisure products. To defend their market positions against the advance of online marketplaces, physical retailers incorporated mail-order distribution, online stores, as well as click and collect services in their sales strategies in recent years.

In November 2024, the commercial sales in the retail sector reached **** trillion Japanese yen, representing a slight increase on a year-on-year basis. December was the strongest month for retail sales in Japan in 2023, reaching a sales value of around **** trillion yen. Compared to the same period in the previous year, retail sales increased slightly by about *** billion yen, facilitated by a sales increase at food and beverages retail stores.

View monthly updates and historical trends for Japan Retail Sales YoY. Source: Japan Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry. Track economic data with YC…

The Japanese e-commerce market, exhibiting a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 14.30%, presents a significant opportunity for businesses. While the exact market size in 2025 (the base year) isn't provided, extrapolating from the given historical period (2019-2024) and the projected CAGR suggests a substantial market value in the billions of US dollars. The market's growth is fueled by several key drivers: increasing internet and smartphone penetration, a rapidly aging population embracing online convenience, and the rising popularity of mobile commerce. Specific segments like beauty and personal care, fashion and apparel, and consumer electronics are experiencing particularly strong growth, driven by consumer preference for online product discovery and diverse purchasing options. However, challenges remain, including concerns over data privacy and security, competition from established players (like Amazon and Rakuten), and the need to adapt to evolving consumer preferences and technological advancements. The B2B e-commerce segment also shows potential, although its growth rate might be slightly lower than the overall market due to more established traditional B2B channels in Japan. The competitive landscape is characterized by a blend of global giants and local players, each with a unique approach to market segmentation and customer acquisition. Companies such as Amazon, Rakuten, and Mercari dominate the B2C space, leveraging their extensive logistics networks and brand recognition. Smaller, niche players often excel in specific product categories or through targeted marketing campaigns. The future success of companies in this market will hinge on their ability to innovate in areas such as customer experience, personalized recommendations, seamless payment gateways, and robust delivery solutions to meet the demands of the increasingly sophisticated Japanese consumer. Understanding these dynamics and successfully navigating the regulatory landscape will be crucial for navigating the competitive environment and capitalizing on the significant market potential. Recent developments include: February 2022 - Rakuten, a key vendor in Japan's E-commerce company, launched its own NFT platform for the sale and trade of virtual assets in a bid to cash in on the crypto sector. The company said its platform also features an ability for IP holders to build their own websites supporting the issuance and sale of NFTs., November 2021 - Forest, a Japanese E-commerce aggregator, announced that it had raised approximately USD 8 million in a seed round led by The University of Tokyo Edge Capital Partners and Nordstar Partners. The startup will use the new capital to acquire more than 300 Japanese E-commerce brands that have been carefully crafted and curated by entrepreneurs. Forest will apply digital marketing strategies at scale, optimize sales and enhance inventory planning through data analytics, as well as support cross-border E-commerce expansion.. Key drivers for this market are: Rising Adoption of Card Payments and M-commerce to Boost the E-commerce Market, Highly Developed Distribution Channels to Boost the E-commerce Market. Potential restraints include: High Investment Costs for On-Premise Solutions, Lack of Skilled Professionals. Notable trends are: Rising Adoption of Card Payments and M-commerce to Boost the E-commerce Market.

In fiscal year 2022, the operating margin of the Japanese retail industry reached *** percent, continuing the upward trend of the recent years. The survey revealed that the operating profit-to-sales ratio of retailers was on a similar level as the wholesale industry.

Discover the booming Japan travel retail market! This comprehensive analysis reveals a CAGR exceeding 6% (2025-2033), driven by tourism resurgence and innovative retail strategies. Explore key players, market segments (cosmetics, food, luxury goods), and future growth projections. Learn how to capitalize on this dynamic sector. Recent developments include: February 2023: Shiseido Travel Retail has launched the Japanese skin and mind brand, Baum, in travel retail with the opening of its first counter with Japan Duty-Free Ginza at Mitsukoshi Ginza Department Store in downtown Tokyo., October 2022: Lotte Duty-Free Retail stepped up activity in South Korean retail operations on the back of Japan's decision to open up to international visa-free travel. This offered opportunities for duty-free sales in both travel retailer's markets of South Korea and Japan.. Key drivers for this market are: Tourism Growth is Driving the Market, Airport Expansions is Driving the Market. Potential restraints include: Tourism Growth is Driving the Market, Airport Expansions is Driving the Market. Notable trends are: Rising International Tourist Arrivals to Japan is Driving the Market.

In 2023, convenience stores accounted for a *** percent sales share within the retail sector in Japan, remaining on a similar level as the previous years. Japanese convenience stores, commonly known as konbini, are mainly operated as chain and franchise stores under the three main domestic brands Seven Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson.

Graph and download economic data for Business Tendency Surveys for Retail Trade: Business Situation Activity: Present: European Commission Indicator for Japan (DISCONTINUED) (BRBUCT02JPQ460S) from Q2 1974 to Q4 2013 about business sentiment, Japan, retail trade, business, sales, and retail.

The Japan Travel Retail industry is poised for significant expansion, projected to reach an estimated market size of approximately $6,800 million in 2025. This robust growth is fueled by a compelling Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) exceeding 6.00%, indicating a dynamic and expanding market. The resurgence of international travel post-pandemic, coupled with a strong domestic tourism base, is a primary driver for this upward trajectory. Key growth sectors within this market include Fashion and Accessories, and Fragrances and Cosmetics, which continue to attract discerning travelers seeking premium and unique offerings. The "Other Products" segment, encompassing a wide array of convenience and specialty items, also demonstrates considerable potential as travelers look for both essential and novelty purchases. This sustained growth is further supported by increasing passenger traffic through major Japanese airports, which serve as primary hubs for travel retail operations. Distribution channels, particularly airports and airlines, are at the forefront of capturing this market growth, offering convenient and accessible shopping experiences for travelers. While the industry benefits from strong consumer spending and a sophisticated retail infrastructure, it also faces certain restraints. These include fluctuating exchange rates, intense competition among established players like Lagardere, DFS, and Lotte Duty Free, and evolving regulatory landscapes. Nevertheless, the overarching trend is one of positive momentum, driven by innovative marketing strategies, curated product assortments, and a focus on enhancing the overall travel retail experience. The projected forecast period of 2025-2033 signals a sustained period of opportunity for stakeholders, as Japan solidifies its position as a premier destination for international travelers and a thriving market for duty-free and travel retail commerce. This report delves into the dynamic landscape of the Japan Travel Retail industry, providing comprehensive insights into its structure, product segmentation, regional nuances, key trends, driving forces, challenges, and leading players. With an estimated market size of ¥3,200 million in 2023, the industry is poised for significant growth, driven by the resurgence of international tourism and evolving consumer preferences. Key drivers for this market are: Tourism Growth is Driving the Market, Airport Expansions is Driving the Market. Potential restraints include: Tourism Growth is Driving the Market, Airport Expansions is Driving the Market. Notable trends are: Rising International Tourist Arrivals to Japan is Driving the Market.

Graph and download economic data for Business Tendency Surveys: Employment: Economic Activity: Retail Trade, Except of Motor Vehicles and Motorcycles: Future Tendency for Japan (BREMFT02JPQ460S) from Q2 1974 to Q3 2025 about business sentiment, Japan, retail trade, business, sales, retail, and employment.

Japan Retail Trade: Food and Beverages data was reported at 3,651.000 JPY bn in Sep 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 3,935.000 JPY bn for Aug 2018. Japan Retail Trade: Food and Beverages data is updated monthly, averaging 3,418.000 JPY bn from Jan 1980 (Median) to Sep 2018, with 465 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 4,516.000 JPY bn in Dec 2017 and a record low of 1,819.000 JPY bn in Jan 1980. Japan Retail Trade: Food and Beverages data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Japan – Table JP.H001: Wholesale and Retail Trade.

Graph and download economic data for Business Tendency Surveys: Volume of Stocks: Economic Activity: Retail Trade, Except of Motor Vehicles and Motorcycles: Current for Japan (BRVSLV02JPQ460S) from Q4 1990 to Q3 2025 about business sentiment, stocks, Japan, retail trade, business, sales, and retail.

This chart offers an insightful look at the store count by category in Japan. Leading the way is Apparel, with 4.4K stores, which is 25.67% of the total stores in the region. Next is Food & Drink, contributing 2.78K stores, or 16.21% of the region's total. Home & Garden also has a notable presence, with 1.48K stores, making up 8.61% of the store count in Japan. This breakdown provides a clear picture of the diverse retail landscape in Japan, showcasing the variety and scale of stores across different categories.

Japan Large Scale Retail Stores: ESASR: Department Stores data was reported at 97.400 % in Sep 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 100.600 % for Aug 2018. Japan Large Scale Retail Stores: ESASR: Department Stores data is updated monthly, averaging 98.700 % from Jan 1988 (Median) to Sep 2018, with 369 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 133.300 % in Mar 1989 and a record low of 81.600 % in Mar 1998. Japan Large Scale Retail Stores: ESASR: Department Stores data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Japan – Table JP.H005: Large Scale Retail Stores: Sales and Commodity Stock Value.