SEOUL, Aug. 30 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's retail sales rose last month as the scorching heatwave increased demand for air conditioner and beverage, a government report showed Thursday.
Combined revenue by online and offline retailers grew 7.8 percent in July from the same period a year ago, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
Offline retail sales by department stores, discount outlets and convenient stores rose 2.3 percent. Convenient store sales advanced 8.9 percent on demand for ice cream and beverage, amid the heatwave.
Department store sales added 2.9 percent on solid demand for home appliances, especially for air conditioners.
Revenue of discount outlet chains shrank 2.5 percent on weak food demand that offset demand for air conditioners.
Online sales jumped 17.8 percent in July as the heatwave, which raised the country's temperature to near 40 degrees Celsius, increased demand for travel services and health supplements.
