- Registration date2026-04-29
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Attached file
Press Release_MOTIR_Major Retailer Sales Up 5.6% in March 2026.pdf [133.2 KB]
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) announced that total sales at 26 major retailers (15 brick-and-mortar retailers and 11 online retailers) in March 2026 rose 5.6 percent year-on-year, with offline sales up 1.9 percent and online sales up 8.1 percent.
Offline sales increased at department stores (up 14.7 percent) and convenience stores (up 2.7 percent), while hypermarkets (down 15.2 percent) and super supermarkets (SSMs) (down 8.6 percent) declined. Department stores and convenience stores extended their growth streaks to nine consecutive months since July 2025.
Department store sales increased across all categories, including premium international brands, fashion and accessories, and children’s and sports goods, supported by a base effect from weak sales in March 2025, an increase in foreign tourist arrivals, and spring outing and back-to-school demand. Convenience store sales also rose across all product categories, including processed and ready-to-eat foods, tobacco and other items, and general merchandise.
Hypermarket sales fell again after one month of growth, as consumer spending continued to shift online, weighing on most product categories, including food and household goods. Hypermarket sales have declined for eight consecutive quarters since the second quarter of 2024. SSM sales remained weak for a third consecutive quarter since the third quarter of 2025, as sales in their core food category remained sluggish.
Online sales rose across most product categories, supported by the launch of new mobile devices in March and spring outing and back-to-school demand. Cosmetics (up 15.8 percent), food (up 10.6 percent), and household goods (up 9.5 percent) maintained steady growth, while home appliances and electronics (up 11.1 percent), children’s and baby products (up 10.7 percent), and books and stationery (up 4.1 percent) also contributed to the increase.
Sales shares by channel were 60.6 percent for online retailers, 15.4 percent for department stores, 13.9 percent for convenience stores, 8.1 percent for hypermarkets, and 2.0 percent for SSMs.