Retailers’ sales grew in July

Home > Business > Industry

print dictionary print

Retailers’ sales grew in July

테스트

Most sectors of the local retail industry saw sales grow in July compared to the previous year, largely due to more holidays and improved consumer sentiment.

Sales for the retail sector grew 10.8 percent year-on-year, the most in three months, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said on Tuesday.

At brick-and-mortar stores, sales rose 6.4 percent over the previous year and jumped 20.3 percent for online stores during the same period.

“Sales rose significantly compared to the previous year due to the base effect from last year when Middle East Respiratory Syndrome hit the country, raised consumer sentiment and more number of holidays in general,” said Chung Jong-young, a director at the Trade Ministry.

The composite consumer sentiment index fell to 99 in May and remained unchanged in June. However, it rose to 101 in July, according to the Bank of Korea. A reading above 100 points indicates the majority of survey participants have a positive outlook on the economy, while a reading below 100 indicates a negative view.

“Furthermore, there were two more non-working days in July compared to the previous year and the government’s decision to give 10 percent money back to consumers who purchase energy-efficient home appliances also boosted sales,” said Chung.

Sales at large discount stores rose 2.1 percent year-on-year, driven by sales of home appliances, and the Trade Ministry said sales rose due to the abnormally hot weather this year.

Department stores saw sales rise 7 percent. There were 7.2 percent more customers as stores launched sales in July, according to the Trade Ministry.

Sales at convenience stores jumped 15.4 percent year-on-year as more customers sought low to mid-price goods. “Customers going to convenience stores rose 11.5 percent compared to the previous year as more middle-aged Koreans looked for pre-cooked foods that they can eat alone,” said Chung. Sales of prepared meals, jumped 45.6 percent year-on-year. At the same time, the number of convenience stores in the country rose 13.3 percent and sales grew 1.8 percent. Sales at corporate-run supermarkets, however, fell 2.7 percent as prices of livestock, fish and eggs rose, the Trade Ministry said.

Sales at department stores such as Lotte and Shinsegae grew 7 percent.

Data was compiled from sales at E-Mart, Lotte and Hyundai, along with several supermarkets, including Homeplus and GS.


BY KIM YOUNG-NAM [kim.youngnam@joongang.co.kr]
Log in to Twitter or Facebook account to connect
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
help-image Social comment?
s
lock icon

To write comments, please log in to one of the accounts.

Standards Board Policy (0/250자)