Sales at major hypermarkets rebounded for the first time in six months last month, driven by the Chuseok peak season.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced today (September 23) that sales for 26 major domestic retailers in August increased by 7.7% compared to the same month last year.

Offline sales grew by 5.4%, while online sales rose by 9.3%.

With the Chuseok holiday moving up to late September this year from early October last year, sales of food categories such as Chuseok gift sets increased.

An increase in demand for delivery services and travel products, fueled by the prolonged heatwave and summer vacations following July, also contributed to the growth.

In the offline sector, the sales rebound of hypermarkets (4.5%) was particularly notable.

Hypermarkets saw significant growth in sales of food items (5.4%) and home appliances and toys (17.8%) thanks to the Chuseok demand.

As the decline in sales for other product categories also eased, hypermarkets posted an upward trend in sales for the first time in six months.

Not only hypermarkets but all offline retail formats showed strong performance.

Supermarkets (SSMs) rose by 5.0%, driven by demand for holiday gift sets such as agricultural, livestock, and marine products (10.1%), succeeding in a rebound for the first time in eight months.

Department stores also grew by 11.9%, boosted by increased food sales from pre-sold holiday gift sets and a continuing upward trend in sales of global luxury brands.

Convenience stores (0.8%) maintained an upward trajectory as higher average purchase prices offset a drop in visitor numbers caused by the heatwave.

Online retailers similarly saw double-digit growth in food sales (12.6%) due to the effect of early Chuseok gift reservations.

In addition, service and other categories (16.9%), such as food delivery, travel, and e-coupons driven by the scorching heat, surged significantly.

The sales share by retail format last month showed that online shopping accounted for nearly 60% at 59.7%.

This was followed by convenience stores (15.4%), department stores (13.7%), hypermarkets (9.0%), and SSMs (2.2%).

The ministry compiles and announces the sales trends of 26 major retailers every month, which include 15 offline retailers—such as department stores (Lotte, Hyundai, Shinsegae), hypermarkets (E-Mart, Homeplus, Lotte Mart, Nonghyup Hanaro Mart), convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven, E-Mart 24), and SSMs (E-Mart Everyday, Lotte Super, GS The Fresh, Homeplus Express)—as well as 11 online retailers including SSG, Coupang, 11Street, and Naver.
 
(Photo: Yonhap News)