Sales at South Korea's three major department store chains grew from a year earlier in August while sales at major discount outlet chains dropped for a second consecutive month, the government said Thursday.

Combined sales by the three department store chains rose 6.6 percent in August from the same month last year, posting an on-year growth for the second straight month, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

The ministry attributed the increase partly to a rise in sales of luxury goods prompted by what it said were aggressive marketing and promotion efforts.

Sales of luxury goods at department stores surged 12.4 percent from a month earlier in August while sales of women's clothes dropped 8.7 percent on-month, the ministry said in a press release.

The three department store chains are Hyundai, Shinsegae and Lotte.

Combined sales by three major discount outlet chains, on the other hand, dropped 2.6 percent on-year last month following their 4.9 percent drop in the previous month.

The overall sales at discount outlet stores were pulled down by a 5.5 percent on-year drop in sales of clothing, as well as a 4.1 percent drop in food products. The discount outlet chains are Lotte Mart, E-Mart and Homeplus.

The number of all purchases at the discount outlet chains also dropped 4.1 percent on-year though the average amount of the purchases gained 1.6 percent.

The number of purchases at department stores rose 9.9 percent on-year, while the average amount of each purchase dropped 2.3 percent.

Sales at convenience stores surged 11.1 percent on-year, while those at the so-called super supermarkets dwindled 7.1 percent. (Yonhap News)