- Registration date2026-09-23
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Attached file
Press Release_MOTIR_Major Retailer Sales Rise 7.7 Percent in August.pdf [144.5 KB]
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) announced that total sales at 26 major retailers (15 offline retailers and 11 online retailers) rose 7.7 percent year-on-year in August 2026, with offline sales up 5.4 percent and online sales up 9.3 percent.
In August 2026, the earlier timing of Chuseok compared to last year boosted food sales, driven by increased sales of holiday gift sets. Growth in delivery services and travel product purchases also continued from July amid hot weather and the summer holiday season.
Offline sales increased across all retail formats, including hypermarkets (up 4.5 percent), super supermarkets (SSMs, up 5.0 percent), department stores (up 11.9 percent), and convenience stores (up 0.8 percent).
Hypermarket sales returned to growth after five consecutive months of year-on-year declines. Chuseok demand lifted sales of food (up 5.4 percent), as well as home appliances and toys (up 17.8 percent), while declines in other categories eased. SSMs also posted growth for the first time in eight months, as strong demand for holiday gift sets lifted food sales, including agricultural, livestock and fishery products (up 10.1 percent).
Department store food sales rose 14.5 percent as advance sales of holiday gift sets began. Sales also continued to grow in all categories except household goods, including vacation-related goods and premium international brands. Convenience stores maintained sales growth as a higher average transaction value offset a decline in transactions (customer visits) caused by reduced outdoor activity during the heat wave.
Online food sales rose 12.6 percent as sales of holiday gift sets began. Sales in the services/other category (up 16.9 percent) also continued to grow as consumers used more delivery services and purchased more travel products amid the heat wave.
In August 2026, sales shares by channel were 59.7 percent for online retailers, 15.4 percent for convenience stores, 13.7 percent for department stores, 9.0 percent for hypermarkets, and 2.2 percent for SSMs.