Supermarket sales fell in September from a year earlier for the 34th straight month, but department stores saw increased business for the first time in three months, industry groups said Wednesday.

Sales at 6,600 outlets of 109 supermarket operators across the nation dropped 3.9 percent to 1.224 trillion yen, while those at 297 outlets operated by 121 department stores grew 2.9 percent to 622.76 billion yen, after adjustment for changes in the number of stores.

The Japan Chain Stores Association blamed the fall on continued consumer restraint but said sales for fall and winter clothing were picking up somewhat as temperatures dropped.