South Korea’s retail sector showed signs of stabilisation in August 2026, with the pace of decline in sales easing compared to the previous month. Month-over-month retail sales fell 1.8% in August, an improvement from the sharper 2.6% drop recorded in July 2026, according to data updated on 29 September 2026.
The figures indicate that while consumer demand remains under pressure, the worst of the recent contraction may be easing. The current August reading reflects the change in sales from July to August, whereas the previous indicator captured the shift from June to July. The moderation in the rate of decline will be closely watched by analysts and policymakers as they assess the resilience of household spending and its implications for South Korea’s broader economic momentum.
