South Korea's department stores hit pre-pandemic sales levels

Sales doubled for Hyundai, Lotte, and Shinsegae on 7-5 March.

South Korean department store chains have exceeded their pre-pandemic sales on the weekend of 7-5 March as the warm spring weather and the ongoing vaccinations have burst the urge for consumption withheld for the last 12 months, Korea Bizwire reported.

Hyundai Department Store saw a 109.8% surge in sales compared to the same period last year. Compared to 2019, sales rose 26.5%.

At the same time, Lotte Department Store saw a 94% leap in sales compared to the same period last year, and 9% climb compared to 2019 records. Shinsegae Department Store also sales jump by 94.7% from 2020 and 14% from 2019.

Premium outlets were also bustling with customers over the weekend. Lotte Premium Outlet saw sales grow 13% from 2019 records. Hyundai Premium Outlet also saw a 100.8% surge in sales compared to last year, and a 7% climb from 2019.

Sales of expensive luxury goods last weekend showed a major boost after Lotte Department Store and Shinsegae Department Store reported year-over-year jump of 143% and 109.9%, respectively. Hyundai Department Store also saw its sales of luxury goods soar 138.6%.