Department stores see strong sales of sunglasses amid hot weather

Italian sports eyewear brand ‘Rudy Project’ launched a pop-up store at Galleria Department Store. [Courtesy of Hanwha Galleria]

South Korea has seen a rise in the sales of sunglasses this year as people go on summer vacations and opt for outdoor sports.

According to industry sources on Monday, sunglasses sales in the first half of this year saw double-digit growth compared to the previous year.

Lotte Department Store reported a significant 40 percent increase, while Hyundai Department Store and Shinsegae Department Store saw high growth rates of 32.1 percent and 26.9 percent, respectively.

This surge is attributed not only to luxury brands, which account for the majority of sales, but also to a rising demand for sports goggles used in outdoor activities such as running and golf.

Oakley, a brand renowned for sports sunglasses, has been expanding its offline presence by opening stores in Starfield Hanam in 2021 and Lotte Department Store Jamsil in 2022.

Oakley sunglasses are popular among athletes due to their wraparound design and lightweight comfort.

Italian sports eyewear brand Rudy Project recently attracted customers by launching a pop-up store at Galleria Department Store’s luxury hall in Seoul.

Domestic sunglasses brand Gentle Monster has emerged as a new luxury brand, recently launching Charm accessories designed to decorate sunglass frames, creating a buzz among the younger generation.

According to IICOMBINED, the company behind Gentle Monster, overseas sales accounted for more than 30 percent of its entire revenue last year.