H2O Retailing's May sales, announced on the 3rd, increased 14.6% year-on-year across all department stores. While sales at the Hanshin Main Store were down 16.1% and at all branches down 0.4%, the Hankyu Main Store saw a significant increase of 63.0%, resulting in a total significantly higher figure than the same month last year. The flagship store, Hankyu Umeda Main Store, has recorded strong sales every month since its grand opening in November of last year. Sales have been growing at around 50% each month, marking the second time it has achieved growth of over 60% since March. Sales at the Hankyu Umeda Main Store alone increased 78.3%, while sales at Hankyu Men's Osaka increased 6.1%. The strong performance is due to increased sales of high-priced items such as watches and jewelry amid a favorable economic climate. The continued increase in purchases by foreign visitors, particularly wealthy individuals, also contributed to the sales increase. In addition, sales of summer women's clothing and accessories, as well as cool biz-related products, mainly men's clothing, also performed well in May.