Purchases made by people in their 40s, the most common users of parasols, more than tripled. (image: Gmarket)
SEOUL, Jul. 8 (Korea Bizwire) — Parasols, which were once considered a fashion item solely for middle-aged women, are becoming increasingly popular among young people.
Gmarket, an online shopping mall, said Sunday that parasol sales more than doubled in June from a year earlier.
Purchases made by people in their 40s, the most common users of parasols, more than tripled.
However, what’s surprising is that the number of purchases made by people in their 20s increased significantly to 63 percent. In the past, people in their 20s were not the main buyers of parasols.
Some say this purchasing trend is the result of the hot weather that South Korea has experienced since April, as well as an increase in the number of beautiful and unique designs of parasols which attracted the younger generation.
Parasol designs and colors are being diversified. They are no longer white or pastel-toned, nor are they covered with lace.
New patterns and designs, not to mention diversified colors, are what encouraged and drove the younger generation to purchase parasols.
“Weather requiring the public to find UV protecting measures continues. Some local governments are even working on projects to promote the use of parasols due to the hot temperatures.” said a representative of Gmarket.
The official also noted that “parasols transforming into a fashion item with a variety of designs and materials has also played a big role in the growing sales.”
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
