Japan’s large retailers recorded a 1.3% month‑on‑month rise in sales in March 2026, marking a clear rebound after a 2.0% decline in February, according to data updated on 29 April 2026. The figures, measured on a month-over-month basis, compare the change in March to February, while the previous indicator measured February’s performance against January.
The turnaround from -2.0% in February to +1.3% in March suggests a stabilization in consumer spending at major retail chains following a weaker start to the year. While the data do not detail category breakdowns, the shift back into positive territory indicates that large retailers managed to regain some momentum, potentially easing concerns about a sustained slowdown in Japan’s domestic demand. Investors and analysts will now be watching upcoming releases to see if March marks the start of a more durable recovery in the retail sector.
