Retail sales in the country were up 13 percent year-on-year in July, due in large part to demand for delivery services amid social distancing restrictions, The Korea Herald reports.

In an attempt to curb the spread of the delta strain of Covid-19, local authorities imposed stricter measures last month, including a ban on gatherings of more than four people and a 9pm curfew.

Data from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy reveals that total sales from 25 major online and offline retailers hit 12.9 trillion won ($11 billion) in July, up from 11.4 trillion won ($9.7 billion) in 2020. Department stores saw sales increase by 7.8 percent on the back of robust demand for luxury goods, but concerns about Covid-19 dampened overall physical retail growth.

Learn more:

South Korean Retail Sales Up 13% as Vaccine Roll-Out Gains Speed