Retail sales in the online sector increased by 10.8% in April

SEOUL, May 28 (Korea Bizwire) — Data on Tuesday showed that retail sales in South Korea rose 10.8 percent in April from a year earlier on stronger demand from the online segment.

Total sales of 25 major offline and online retailers were 15.4 trillion won ($11.2 billion) last month, up from 13.9 trillion won a year earlier, according to data compiled by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

Sales in stationary stores decreased by 0.2% during this period due to fewer weekend days, which amounted to eight, two fewer compared to the previous year.

Supermarket sales fell 6.7 percent on weaker demand for electronics, daily essentials and sporting goods.

Department store sales also fell 2 percent, and demand for imported luxury items fell 3.3 percent.

Meanwhile, convenience stores saw sales of tobacco products and processed foods increase by 5.9%.

Sales on online platforms increased by 22.2% as local retailers organized promotional events to respond to the growing popularity of overseas platforms.

The ministry said online platforms accounted for 54 percent of total sales in April, up from 49 percent a year earlier.

(Yonhap)