Gmarket·Auction, New Semester Supplies Sales Surge 10x... Up to 70% Discount Event Held

[Asia Economy Reporter Seungjin Lee] Ahead of the new semester, it has been revealed that purchases of new semester supplies through online channels have increased due to the impact of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

On the 21st, online shopping site Gmarket compared the sales volume of related products over the past month (January 20 to February 19) with the same period last year and found that new semester supplies and gift items increased by 36% overall.

In particular, ‘digital electronics’ such as laptops and smart devices gained popularity with a 62% overall sales increase. Smartwatch sales surged tenfold (989%), while mobile phones and tablets increased by 16% each, and laptops (24%) and PCs (20%) also showed growth.

Sales of fashion accessories also rose significantly. Brand children’s fashion increased by 61% overall, with specific items such as branded school bags up 44%, trolley-type school bags up 69%, and auxiliary bags up 20%. Cardigans increased by 215%, field jackets by 162%, dresses by 113%, and children’s clothing such as blouses and shirts (94%) and skirts (86%) all showed sales growth.

The situation was similar on Auction. During the same period, children’s bookshelves increased by 35%, and children’s chairs by 34%. IT products also showed strength, with brand PCs up 33%, digital learning devices up 24%, smartwatches up 53%, and tablet accessories and touch pens increasing by 12% and 27%, respectively.

Stationery items with frequent use were also popular. Subject-specific stationery increased by 59%, colored paper and drawing paper by 23%, and character pencil cases by 43%. Additionally, children’s jackets suitable for light spring wear increased eightfold (709%), dresses by 140%, leggings by 162%, and scarves and mufflers by 50% each.

Reflecting this demand, eBay Korea is conducting various new semester promotions through Gmarket and Auction. Gmarket is running the ‘New Semester Fashion TOP Brand Exhibition’ until the 23rd, allowing elementary to university students to prepare for the new semester. Coupons offering up to 22% overlapping discounts by brand are provided for popular brand products. Smile Club members receive additional brand coupons applicable to more brand products.

From Gmarket and Auction, a large-scale discount event ‘Digital Furniture Big Sale’ is also held simultaneously until the 25th. Representative new semester items such as laptops, tablet PCs, and children’s furniture are sold at up to 70% off, and four types of discount coupons worth up to 200,000 KRW are provided separately for each site.

Lee Juchul, Head of Sales Division at eBay Korea, said, “As more people avoid going out due to various recent issues, consumers are flocking online to prepare for the new semester at reasonable prices without being restricted by time or place. We plan to expand product categories and prepare various promotions so that consumers can purchase products necessary for their daily lives without burden, not only for new semester preparation.”