SEOUL, July 30 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's retail sales rose in single digits in the first half due to strong online demand for food, daily necessities and service, government data showed Wednesday.
Combined revenue for major offline and online retailers grew 7.8 percent in the January-June period compared with the same period of last year, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
Revenue among online retailers jumped 15.8 percent in the cited period, but sales by offline retailers fell 0.1 percent.
Food demand in cyberspace soared 19.6 percent, and online sales of daily necessities expanded 7.3 percent.
Online demand for service, including travel, food delivery and e-coupon purchase, spiked 57.6 percent, but sales of sports items declined in double digits.
Demand for home appliances, clothing, sports items and daily necessities in offline stores reduced in single figures, but offline sales of food and service gained in the six-month period.
Revenue among department stores added 0.5 percent, but sales in discount outlets and convenience stores recorded a single-digit reduction. ■
