Carrot Market ‘Bulk Sharing Group’ Board. (Image courtesy of Carrot Market)
SEOUL, July 3 (Korea Bizwire) — As South Koreans continue to grapple with high inflation and a sluggish economy, a new wave of cost-conscious consumers is turning to community-based bulk-buying as a savvy spending strategy.
According to local marketplace platform Danggeun Market on Tuesday, the number of newly formed bulk-sharing groups on its platform surged by 411% in the first half of this year compared to the same period in 2024 — a more than fivefold increase.
These groups span a wide range of items, from warehouse-club staples like detergent and toilet paper to fresh flowers from wholesale markets.
One such example is the “Costco Sharing Group” in Sejong City, which now boasts over 800 members. Participants coordinate on message boards to split purchases of oversized household items or to distribute leftovers to neighbors after shopping trips.
In Seoul, a group called “Solo Shoppers at Costco Yangpyeong” organizes joint visits to the store, allowing even those without a membership or shopping list to tag along for the experience and shared savings.
“Buying bread or cheese in bulk means I’m eating the same thing for three weeks,” one user wrote. “As a three-person household, it’s hard to justify these purchases alone. This group has been great.”
Floral enthusiasts are also joining in. In cities across the country, groups known as “flower-sharing circles” have formed to collectively purchase from flower wholesalers, which typically sell only by the bundle. In Seoul alone, over 80 flower-sharing meetups have been recorded this year.
“Consumers are becoming more practical and intentional in their spending,” a Danggeun Market spokesperson said. “This growing trend of ‘value-based consumption’ is reflected in the rise of bulk-sharing groups, which foster community and affordability at once.”
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
