SEOUL, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's retail sale grew last year due to eased measures against the COVID-19 pandemic, government data showed Thursday.

Revenue among major online and offline retailers expanded 9.2 percent in 2022 from the previous year, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

It came as the lifting of all the anti-virus measures in April except an indoor mask mandate fueled outside activities.

Sales by offline retailers increased 8.9 percent in 2022, after rising 7.5 percent in the prior year on the back of solid demand for clothing and items relevant to sports, culture and leisure.

Revenue among department stores and discount outlets advanced 15.7 percent and 1.4 percent each, and sales by convenience stores gained 10.8 percent on demand for instant food.

Sales by online retailers climbed 9.5 percent in 2022 thanks to higher demand for cosmetics, travel-related services, and cultural performance tickets.