Online shopping boosts South Korea retail sales by 5.6% in March

Department stores recorded the strongest performance.

Total sales amongst 26 major retailers in South Korea increased by 5.6% year-on-year in March 2026, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR). The figures cover 15 offline retailers and 11 online platforms.

Online sales led the growth, climbing 8.1% compared to the same period last year, while offline sales posted a more modest increase of 1.9%.

Department stores recorded the strongest performance, with sales surging 14.7%. Convenience stores also saw gains, rising 2.7%. Both sectors have now sustained growth for nine consecutive months since July 2025.

Department store sales expanded across all categories, including premium international brands, fashion and accessories, and children’s and sports goods.

The increase was attributed to a low base in March 2025, a rise in foreign tourist arrivals, and seasonal demand linked to spring outings and the back-to-school period.

Convenience store sales also improved broadly, driven by higher demand for processed and ready-to-eat foods, tobacco products, and general merchandise.

Meanwhile, hypermarket sales dropped 15.2 percent, reversing a brief recovery the previous month, as consumers increasingly shifted to online shopping. The sector has now recorded declines for eight consecutive quarters since the second quarter of 2024.

SSMs also remained weak, with sales falling 8.6 percent and extending their downturn to a third straight quarter since the third quarter of 2025, largely due to sluggish food sales.

Online retailers experienced growth across most categories, supported by the release of new mobile devices and seasonal demand. Cosmetics sales rose 15.8%, followed by food (10.6%) and household goods (9.5%). Other contributors included home appliances and electronics (11.1%), children’s and baby products (10.7%), and books and stationery (4.1%).

By sales share, online retailers accounted for the largest portion at 60.6%, followed by department stores (15.4%), convenience stores (13.9%), hypermarkets (8.1 percent), and SSMs (2%).