À̹ÌÁö È®´ë South Korean retailers saw a 3.9 percent recovery in their combined revenue in April on brisk online sales amid social distancing under virus threats, government data showed.
According to data released by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy on Thursday, combined sales of Korean retailers – 13 offline stores and 13 online sellers – rose 3.9 percent in April from a year-ago period. Sales of brick-and-mortar stores fell 5.5 percent, while online sales jumped 16.9 percent during the period.
On the offline front, all types of retailers saw a decrease in sales – large discount stores 1.0 percent, department stores 14.8 percent, convenient stores 1.9 percent and so-called super supermarkets (SSMs), small supermarket chains operated by retail conglomerates, 2.6 percent.
À̹ÌÁö È®´ë The falls however eased from a month ago when large discount stores reported a 13.8 percent drop in sales and department stores 40.3 percent.
Online sales fast expanded on brisk demand for food purchases and delivery services. Sales of foods were up 56.4 percent, home appliances/electronics 24.3 percent, and living goods/furniture 23.9 percent. Fashion and clothing purchases however dropped 8.8 percent, and other services down 21.3 percent as social distancing became a norm amidst ongoing virus risk.
By Lee Ha-yeon
[¨Ï Pulse by Maeil Business Newspaper & mk.co.kr, All rights reserved]