S. Korean retail sales rise in first half on increased online sales

1 min readUpdated May 26, 2025Aug 1, 20183:15 AM

In this article (5)

South Korean retail sales rose 7.4 per cent in the first half of this year based on solid performance in e-commerce.

Data from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy showed online sales running 16.3 per cent higher than during the same time last year, while offline sales rose just 2.7 per cent.

Grocery shopping via online malls with home delivery saw a major rise this year, with a 20.8 per cent increase in sales over last year.

Similar rises were reported for convenience stores, department stores and online marketplaces, although a 1.8 per cent drop hit large discount store chains.

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What this means

The robust 16.3 per cent surge in South Korean online sales, particularly in grocery delivery, confirms a sustained pivot towards digital consumption. This clearly pressures traditional offline formats, as evidenced by the 1.8 per cent drop for large discount stores, contrasting sharply with increased sales for online marketplaces and even convenience stores adapting digital strategies. This market behaviour is consistent with broader Asian trends, where retailers like Panpuri are targeting digital-first expansion in China and Japan, and even luxury brands like Tiffany & Co. Are innovating with physical experiences. The key risk for retailers is underinvesting in last-mile logistics and a smooth omnichannel experience. We expect further digital investment announcements across varied retail formats.

Minjun Park · Retail News Asia newsroom

Questions & Answers

What was the overall growth in South Korean retail sales during the first half of this year?

South Korean retail sales saw an increase of 7.4 per cent in the first half of this year. This growth was primarily driven by strong performance in e-commerce, as detailed in the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy's data.

How did online sales growth compare to offline sales growth in the first half?

Online sales increased by 16.3 per cent compared to the same period last year. In contrast, offline sales only saw a rise of 2.7 per cent, indicating a significant difference in growth rates between the two sectors.

Which specific retail category experienced the largest sales increase?

Grocery shopping via online malls with home delivery saw the largest individual increase. This category experienced a substantial 20.8 per cent rise in sales compared to the previous year, highlighting its strong performance.

Did any retail sectors experience a decline in sales during this period?

Yes, large discount store chains experienced a decrease in sales. These stores reported a 1.8 per cent drop in their sales figures during the first half of the year, contrasting with the general upward trend.

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