Convenience store sales dropped 3.1 percent in March on a same-store, year-on-year basis, the Japan Franchise Association said Monday.
The association attributed the drop mainly to cold weather and rainfall, which delayed the start of the cherry blossom season and resulting in fewer vacationers.
In February, sales had risen for the first time since June 2001. Overall sales rose 1.1 percent on an all-store basis to 580.34 billion yen. The association does not release the value of sales on a same-store basis.
The number of customers fell 2.1 percent on a same-store basis but rose 1.4 percent at all stores. Average sales per customer dropped 1.6 percent on a same-store basis while falling 1.7 percent on an all-store basis.
Copies of the video game "Final Fantasy X-2," which went on sale in mid-March, sold well, but ice cream did not due to the cold weather, the association said.
The association compiled data from 13 chains belonging to the association, including Seven-Eleven Japan Co., Lawson Inc. and FamilyMart Co.