S. Korea's retail sales rise 5.6 pct in March

Alsharq Tribune-M.Essam 

South Korea's retail sales rose in single digits due to back-to-school demand and an increase in foreign tourists, government data showed Wednesday.

The combined revenue among major offline and online retailers grew 5.6 percent in March compared to the same month of 2025, slower than an increase of 7.9 percent in February, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources.

Revenues of online retailers added 8.1 percent, and sales by offline retailers gained 1.9 percent in March.

The growth was boosted by school reopening demand and the influx of foreign travelers.

The number of foreign tourists visiting the Asian country in March hit a record monthly high of 2.06 million.

Food purchases in offline stores fell 6.2 percent, but demand for daily necessities, clothing and sports items increased in single figures.

Online food demand spiked 10.6 percent, while online sales of home appliances, cosmetics, and infants' and children's goods logged a double-digit expansion.

Online demand for services, including travel, food delivery and e-coupon purchase, was unchanged in March.

Revenues among department and convenience stores gained ground, but sales in discount outlets declined in double figures.