The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) announced on September 24 that Korea’s retail industry grew 3.7 percent year-on-year in August 2025, with offline sales falling 3.1 percent and online sales rising 10.5 percent.

MOTIE's monthly retail sales figures are based on surveys of 23 major retailers, comprising 13 brick-and-mortar retailers and 10 online retailers.

By offline retail channel, department stores rose 2.8 percent and convenience stores gained 1.1 percent, while large supermarkets fell 15.6 percent and super supermarkets (SSM) dropped 5.9 percent. This decline was largely due to Chuseok falling 19 days later than last year, which reduced food sales compared with August 2024.

Department stores also saw weaker food sales, but strong indoor marketing campaigns during record late-summer heatwaves boosted luxury goods and fashion/apparel, driving overall growth.

By category, offline sales fell in food (down 6.9 percent), electronics/culture (down 18.1 percent), and household goods (down 5.7 percent). Online sales expanded across services such as food delivery, e-coupons, and travel products (up 18.1 percent), as well as food (up 16.3 percent) and cosmetics (up 13.5 percent).