Nikkei slips, retailers bruised by Seven & I

TOKYO, July 3 (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei stock average fell 0.6 percent on Friday but pared earlier losses marked after U.S. jobs data dented hopes for economic recovery, with retailers sliding after Seven & I Holdings (3382.T: Quote, Profile, Research) posted poor results.

Oil-linked shares fared badly after oil extended losses down towards $66, while drugmaker Eisai Co Ltd (4523.T: Quote, Profile, Research) fell after a brokerage downgrade.

The benchmark Nikkei .N225 slid 60.08 points to 9,816.07, losing 0.6 percent on the week. The broader Topix .TOPX fell 0.4 percent to 920.62. (Reporting by Elaine Lies)