Department store sales in Japan rose on a year earlier by 2.4 percent in November on a same-store basis.
The increase was the first since September as shoppers increased purchases before a consumption tax rise in April.
The Japan Department Stores Association (JDSA) said the increase in sales was also to higher consumer confidence as well as expected higher winter bonuses.
The JSDA said sales of personal items, such as luxury bags and accessories, increased by 5.9 percent, while more expensive items, such as jewelry, art and precious metals, soared 21.0 percent.
