This undated file photo shows a tent and other camping gear on display at a store in Seoul. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Nov. 18 (Korea Bizwire) — Sales of outdoor activity products are on the rise as more and more people are eschewing the ‘stuck at home’ lifestyle resulting from the coronavirus pandemic, announced Shinsegae Department Store, one of the nation’s leading retailers, on Wednesday.
The retailer said sales of outdoor-related products increased by 10 percent over the past 45 days — from last month through the 15th of this month – compared to the same period last year.
Apparently, the revival of the outdoor gear market has been driven by the implementation of the ‘living with COVID-19’ scheme, which prompted home-bound consumers to kick off outdoor recreational activities once again, including camping, hiking and trekking.
According to online shopping giant 11st, sales volumes for products related to hiking and outdoor activities products surged by 140 percent from Oct. 25 to Nov. 14, coinciding with the period before and after the implementation of the government’s ‘With Corona’ scheme.
Riding the wave of ‘rediscovered interest’ in outdoor recreation among consumers, many retailers are staging new marketing blitzes, with brands also opening pop-up stores to attract consumers who have a keen interest in outdoor activities.
Shinsegae Department Store has recently created a so-called ‘Campnic’ zone (compound word for camping and picnic) at one of the outdoor gear boutiques in its Daejeon branch, with products from a multitude of camping brands on offer to catch the eyes of customers.
Notable are products reflecting South Korea’s unique camping culture. Foldable stainless steel wood stoves, for example, for those interested in ‘bulmeong’ — a newly coined word for zoning out while watching firewood burning.
Outdoor camping aprons or equipment for overnight camping are also popular.
The increasing popularity of outdoor activities has also led to a boost in sales of color cosmetics and outdoor apparel.
According to 11st, the transaction amount for color cosmetics rose 43 percent from Oct. 25 to Nov. 14, with sales of sportswear up 80 percent for the same period.
Jerry M. Kim (jerry_kim@koreabizwire.com)
