Sales at department stores in Tokyo's 23 wards fell in January by 0.7 percent from the year before to 172.45 billion yen, the first decline in three months, the Japan Department Stores Association said in a preliminary report Friday.

While sales were firm at the beginning of the month due to clearance events and renovation effects, they later suffered from a slump in demand from corporate clients and shoppers deterred by heavy snow, it said.

An association spokesman said sales are unlikely to pick up soon.

"There are no signs yet of the consumption trend changing," he said.

Sales of clothing, the largest sales category, contracted 1.3 percent to 75.39 billion yen, little changed from a 1.4 percent year-on-year decline seen in December.

Sales of food, the second largest, grew 3.1 percent to 29.98 billion yen due to promotions. Sales of miscellaneous goods, such as jewelry and cosmetics, rose 0.8 percent to 24.55 billion yen. The rise was smaller than a 2.8 percent growth in December, but it marked the third consecutive month of expansion.

The figures cover 28 outlets run by 14 department stores.

Meanwhile, the Kinki Department Stores Association said January sales in Osaka rose 2.1 percent from the year before to 97.57 billion yen, up for the first time in four months.

However, when proceeds from failed Sogo Co.'s Osaka outlet were included, sales were down 1 percent.

Sales of clothing rose 1.2 percent to 44.42 billion yen.

A spokesman for the Kinki group said proceeds were boosted by a special sales event of items from pawnshops around Japan.

"However, sales in general remain sluggish," he said.