Consumers, retailers begin prepping for rainy season

[Courtesy of Lotte Department Store]

As the rainy season kicks off in Jeju and record-breaking heavy rain is predicted for South Korea this summer, the retail industry is heating up with early sales of rainy season products.

From rain boots flying off home shopping shelves to convenience stores introducing the cheapest vinyl umbrellas on the market, retailers are prepping for the downpour.

Home shopping company CJ Onstyle on Tuesday reported a significant increase in rain boot sales as the rainy season approaches. Rain boot sales have surged about 154 percent as of June 14th, 2024, compared to the same period during the previous year. The mobile live program ‘All in Live,’ which aired on June 10th, featured the popular rain boot brand ‘Hunter,’ amassing over 300,000 page views and selling out its stock.

Similarly, dehumidifier brand Winix saw impressive sales on the electronic product-focused program, which aired on June 12th, 2024. The program achieved over 153 percent of its target sale, with a company spokesperson saying, “We have decided to significantly expand our broadcast lineup of related products.”

Convenience store chain CU introduced a 55 cm vinyl umbrella at the industry’s lowest price of 5,000 won ahead of the rainy season. This price is cheaper than the current 6,000 won range for similar umbrellas sold at convenience stores across the country.

CU opted for direct overseas sourcing to achieve these lower prices. A dedicated overseas sourcing team communicated with over 20 specialized umbrella manufacturers in China while evaluating product variety, quality, and cost to select the final supplier.

Lotte Department Store is also preparing for the rainy season by hosting a pop-up event for British rain boot brand Rockfish Weatherwear at Lotte World Mall in Jamsil, Seoul, until August 1st, 2024. Customers who purchase rain boots and other items here will be eligible to receive discounts of up to 20 percent.