Stores up, sales down

As computed by the Japan DIY Industry Association, the number of DIY stores in Japan increased by 22 to 3 980 in 2007 over the previous year. Total sales experienced a downward trend by contrast. The DIY stores achieved a figure of JPY 3 920 bn (€ 24.47 bn) in 2007, compared with JPY 3 960 bn (€ 24.72 bn) one year previously. This is the second successive reported sales decrease: the association reported total sales of JPY 3 988 bn (€ 24.89 bn) for 2005.