Commercial oxygen generator (Image: Gmarket screenshot)
SEOUL, Jan. 26 (Korea Bizwire) — Phytoncide air purifiers that supposedly recreate “forest air”, standard air purifiers, humidifiers and commercial oxygen generators are being bought up by droves of South Korean consumers, who are spending what it takes to keep their home environment free of the fine dust that periodically blankets the nation in the colder months.
Online shopping platform Gmarket revealed that from December 23 through January 22, sales of phytoncide air purifiers were 175 percent higher than during the same period last year, a higher margin of growth than the 145 percent sales increase for standard air purifiers.
Air washers also saw a bump in sales of 10 percent. (Image: Wemakeprice website screenshot)
Phytoncide air purifiers are becoming increasingly sought after for being “all-natural air filters”. As well as maintaining a pristine breathing environment in the home, these devices can employ a variety of scents to generate aromatic air.
According to Gmarket, sales of commercial oxygen generators also soared by 43 percent compared to last year.
Phytoncide air purifiers are becoming increasingly sought after for being “all-natural air filters”. (Image: Gmarket website screenshot)
Indirect profiting from the seasonal spell of air pollution extends to brick-and-mortar retailers as well. From January 1 to 24, Lotte Hi-Mart said sales revenues from standard air purifiers and humidifiers were 265 percent and 35 percent higher, respectively, than last year.
Air showers also saw a bump in sales of 10 percent.
Seoul skyline covered in fine dust (Image: Yonhap)
Big-box retailer E-mart stated it had recorded an astounding 478.2 percent increase in standard air purifier sales from January 1 through 22.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
