Emart (attribute to HapyMidnight on Wikimedia Commons)

Photo: HappyMidnight (Wikimedia Commons)

South Korean grocer Emart will increase its online presence, with plans to operate six new online logistics centres by 2020, according to IGD Retail Analysis.

Emart opened its first online-only distribution centre in April 2014, with the increase in online presence seen as a move to compete with e-commerce giants Alibaba and Amazon.M-commerce in particular has seen strong growth for the retailer, with m-commerce sales increasing from 10 per cent to 28 per cent of total sales in the past year.

Emart has also announced it will open five new hypermarket stores in 2015, as well as continue its expansion of its Emart Everyday supermarkets, and continue its growth in the convenience sector with the acquisition of With Me convenience stores.