Bookstore operator Maruzen CHI Holdings recorded a loss for the first quarter ended April 30, in the aftermath of the recent Japanese disasters.

The retailer said that although book sales were strong during the period, overall financial performance was affected by the Tohoku earthquake.

The company recorded a net loss of ¥439m (£3.3m) compared with net profit of ¥827m (£6.1m) for the first quarter of 2009.