TOKYO, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) — Japanese retail sales fell 1.0 percent in November to 11.39 billion yen from a year earlier, less than a median market forecast for a 1.2 percent decline, according to preliminary data released by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) on Monday.
The overall Preliminary Report on the Current Survey of Commerce, also revealed Monday that commercial sales in November had fallen 14.6 percent to 40.67 billion yen from a year earlier.
Additionally, wholesale figures for November plummeted 18.7 percent to 29.63 billion yen and sales from large retail stores were also down on year, by a seasonally adjusted 9 companies making payday loans.6 percent to 1.62 billion yen, the report showed.
The survey of commerce aims to clarify trends in business activities of establishments including department stores, chain stores, supermarkets, other large-scale stores and convenience stores. (1 U.S. dollar equals about 91 yen) Special Report: Global Financial Crisis