Domestic department stores and discount stores saw their sales rise for two consecutive months, backed by the growth in sales of foods and apparels last month.
According to a report "Sales Trend of Korea's Major Retail Channels for May," released by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy on June 28, department stores marked a 3.1-percent growth in sales last month, while discount stores posted a 0.5-percent growth in sales. Even in April, the sales of department stores and discount stores rose 1.3 percent and 0.02 percent, respectively.
The increase in sales of department stores is attributable to the increase in sales of luxury foreign brand items, women's casual items, children and infant items, and golf wear.
Discount stores enjoyed a growth in sales of food items thanks to discount events, while reporting a decline in sales of TVs and children and infant items.
Convenience stores enjoyed a 31.5-percent growth in sales last month thanks to the hike in sales of cigarettes and instant and fresh foods.
