SEOUL, June 24 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's retail sales rose in single digits last month thanks to a fast sales recovery in department stores, government data showed Wednesday.
The combined revenue among major offline and online retailers grew 9.0 percent in May from a year earlier, faster than an increase of 7.2 percent in the previous month, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources.
Revenue of online retailers expanded 8.8 percent, and sales by offline retailers gained 9.3 percent.
Sales by discount outlets retreated 5.1 percent, but revenue for department stores jumped 24.5 percent last month, keeping a double-digit expansion for five consecutive months.
Food purchase in offline stores added 1.5 percent, while demand for home appliances, household items and service mounted in single figures.
Food demand in cyberspace swelled 10.1 percent, and online sales of home appliances logged a double-digit gain.
Online demand for service, including travel, food delivery and e-coupon purchase, climbed 10.0 percent last month. ■