[Asia Economy Reporter Seungjin Lee] Due to the impact of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), interest in hygiene has increased, leading to a rise in demand for mini washing machines that are convenient for frequently washing small loads.
According to Homeplus on the 20th, the average daily sales of the small washing machine equipped with a boiling function, the ‘Paseco Mini Clean’ (2.8 kg), from the 1st to the 19th of this month increased by 633% compared to January.
Typically, home appliances tend to see sales peak shortly after release and then slow down, but mini washing machines have shown a steady increase in consumer interest, recording a growth rate of over 15% compared to the previous week.
The sevenfold increase in demand for mini washing machines within a month was largely due to COVID-19. More households are separating baby clothes and underwear for washing to maintain better hygiene.
In particular, the mini washing machine has gained a reputation as a ‘baby clothes dedicated washing machine’ because it can easily boil and sterilize baby clothes, which are cumbersome to wash daily in a large washing machine, and it also features a child lock function for safety.
The quick mode, which completes dehydration in just 20 minutes, the compact size (405*725*385 mm) that enhances space efficiency, the sleek design, and the touch panel align well with the recent ‘Convenience Premium (Convenience + Premium)’ trend.
Accordingly, Homeplus will expand the number of stores selling mini washing machines from the existing 45 to about 80 starting on the 20th, nearly doubling the availability, and will also begin online mall sales considering the spread of contactless consumption. From March, the number of stores handling the product will increase to 140.
Nam Taekyung, a buyer for the large home appliances team at Homeplus, said, “Along with the Convenience Premium trend, recent environmental factors such as fine dust and COVID-19 are changing consumers’ lifestyles. Despite the spread of contactless consumption, customers are flocking to stores to purchase the product, and inquiries about expanding sales channels are increasing, so we decided to handle the product at nationwide stores including the online mall.”
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