South Korea's major retailers' sales climb 9% on strong offline, online demand

Offline sales rose 9.3%, whilst online sales increased 8.8%.

Total sales at South Korea's 26 major retailers increased 9% year-on-year in May 2026, driven by solid gains in both offline and online channels, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR).

The ministry said sales at 15 brick-and-mortar retailers climbed 9.3%, whilst sales at 11 online retailers rose 8.8% compared with the same month last year.

Amongst offline retailers, department stores posted the strongest growth, with sales surging 24.5%.

Convenience store sales also increased 5.9%. In contrast, hypermarkets recorded a 5.1% decline, whilst super supermarkets (SSMs) saw sales fall 8%.

Department stores and convenience stores have now recorded 11 consecutive months of sales growth since July 2025.

MOTIR attributed the strong performance of department stores to higher spending across all major product categories, including premium international brands, fashion and apparel, and accessories.

The ministry said increased foreign tourist arrivals and improving consumer confidence contributed to the growth.

Convenience stores also benefited from seasonal demand, with warmer early-summer weather boosting sales of beverages and processed foods. Increased customer traffic also supported higher sales of non-food products, including household goods.

Hypermarkets, however, struggled despite stronger demand for home appliances, cultural goods, and fashion products during May, which is celebrated as Family Month in South Korea.

Weak food sales, the sector’s largest category, continued to weigh on overall performance. SSMs likewise extended their decline to a sixth consecutive month, also due to sluggish food sales.

Online retailers maintained steady growth, supported by improving consumer sentiment, Family Month shopping demand, and stronger food purchases. Sales were led by home appliances, children's products, food, and services.

By sales share, online retailers accounted for the largest portion of total retail sales at 58.6%, followed by department stores at 16.7%, convenience stores at 14.8%, hypermarkets at 8.1%, and SSMs at 1.8%.