Retail sales in South Korea surged 4.4 percent in July from last year as online platforms enjoyed increased demand for groceries and home appliances.
The 26 major offline and online retailers posted combined sales of 11.46 trillion won last month, up from 10.98 trillion won from a year earlier.
According to the data compiled by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy, online platforms led the growth with revenues advancing 13.4 percent over the period.
Sales of foodstuffs online jumped 46 percent on-year as more people avoided supermarkets.
Consumers also bought more daily items and furniture online, with the segment advancing 26.3 percent.
However, sales of tour packages plunged 16.3 percent from online platforms with global air travel virtually being suspended.
Offline stores, which were being outsold by online shops even before the virus outbreak, continued to lose ground, with sales dropping a further 2.1 percent on-year in July.
Convenience stores were the bright spot among offline shops with their revenue edging up 3.7 percent due to rising demand for sanitary items.
Supermarkets suffered a 5.5 percent on-year drop on sales in July due to the rainy season and pandemic.
Sales of clothes and sports goods plummeted 21.2 percent and 24.4 percent.


Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns
Trump’s Inflation Claims Clash With Voters’ Cost-of-Living Reality
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off
Russian Stocks End Mixed as MOEX Index Closes Flat Amid Commodity Strength
India–U.S. Interim Trade Pact Cuts Auto Tariffs but Leaves Tesla Out
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm
South Africa Eyes ECB Repo Lines as Inflation Eases and Rate Cuts Loom
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 



