South Korean markdown food sales rise 5.9% as high prices squeeze budgets

Sep 8, 2026 03:01 (47d ago)

South Korean retailers, convenience stores and delivery platforms are expanding discounts on food nearing its sell-by date as shoppers seek lower-cost meals.
Estimated August spending at the four largest convenience-store chains reached a record 3.6585 trillion won, while Lotte Mart and Lotte Super markdown sales rose 5.9% in the first quarter.
Persistent inflation is increasing demand for smaller portions and ready-to-eat products, with GS25 markdown sales up 134% last year and 32% in the first half of this year.

South Korean shoppers are increasingly buying discounted food nearing its sell-by date, particularly ready-to-eat meals and snacks sold in the evening. Markdown sales at Lotte Mart and Lotte Super rose 5.9% year over year in the first quarter, 7.7% in the second quarter and 6.1% in the third quarter, while GS25 sales jumped 134% last year and another 32% in the first half of this year. Convenience-store spending also reached an estimated record 3.6585 trillion won ($2.7 billion) in August across the four largest chains, reflecting frequent, smaller purchases. Delivery platforms are expanding similar services as persistent inflation pressures household budgets; South Korea's consumer price index rose 3.1% year over year in August 2026, while average monthly household spending on food and non-alcoholic beverages reached 434,000 won in the second quarter.