JAPAN

Department Store Sales Slip: Sales nationwide fell in May to $6.76 billion, a 4.3% decline from the year-earlier period, the Japan Department Store Assn. said. That marks the 27th straight monthly decline. Clothing sales fell 4.1% and food sales dropped 2.1%. Furniture and consumer electronics sales fell 10.2%. Separately, the Japan Chain Stores Assn. said sales at chain stores in May declined 2.3% in May from a year earlier to $12.6 billion.