Japan's Retail Sales Rise 3.9% on Year in July

TOKYO, Aug. 31-- Japan's retail sales rose 3.9 percent in July from a year earlier, marking the seventh straight month of gains for retailers on year, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said in a report on Tuesday.

From the previous month retail sales, which aren't adjusted for inflation, increased 0.7 percent, following a 0.4 percent rise in June, the government report indicated.

The median forecast was for an on-month increase of 2.4 percent and an on-year increase of 3.5 percent.

The government report cited strong sales of seasonal clothing, soft drinks and cooling equipment during the hot weather as boosting overall sales.

Large-scale retailers' sales decreased 1.2 percent in July from a year earlier, after adjustment for a change in the number of stores, the ministry said.

Economists had forecast a 1.3 percent decline for sales at large-scale retailers.