According to E-mart on Monday, sales of camping stables such as tents last month dropped 28 percent compared to the same time last year, while sales of picnic products such as canopies that provide shade went up 6.1 percent over the same period. (Image: Kobiz Media)
SEOUL, Aug. 8 (Korea Bizwire) — Sales of picnic products in South Korea have soared this summer amid a shift among consumers away from camping and towards something more casual, a retail giant has said.
According to E-mart on Monday, sales of camping stables such as tents last month dropped 28 percent compared to the same time last year, while sales of picnic products such as canopies that provide shade went up 6.1 percent over the same period.
Other picnic-related products that enjoyed a sales increase included picnic blankets, mats and cooler bags, which seem to be replacing iceboxes as more South Korean consumers opt for day picnics instead of overnight camping.
Officials at E-mart say the growing number of young people opting to go for a picnic in the park or a day trip to locations near Seoul instead of going camping overnight contributed to the sales increase of day trip related products.
Data gathered by E-mart showed those in their 20s and 30s both increased their market share among all age groups between July 20 and 29, compared to the same time last year.
“As the South Korean camping industry has entered a more mature stage, picnic-like camping sessions in the city and surrounding areas are proving popular instead of the traditional sense of camping. The trend is more apparent among young consumers,” said Lee Jung-w00, a buyer in charge of camping products.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
