Disposable Mask Shortage... 20 Million Units Released by Emart Sold Out Instantly

Disposable masks priced at 320 won run out within 2 hours after number tickets distributed
Demand surges as weather gets hotter

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Hye-seon] People flocked to the disposable mask discount event held on the 6th at Emart's warehouse-style store Traders. 20 million masks were sold out even before the store opened.

On this day, Emart Traders sold 20 million disposable masks at 320 won each across 18 stores nationwide. The masks are disposable products with a three-layer structure including an MB filter. Many stores saw people gathering from early dawn. Accordingly, Emart Traders began distributing numbered tickets from 6 a.m. At the Sindong branch in Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, 1,000 people gathered within two hours after the numbered tickets were distributed, and the stock ran out early. The Sindong branch limited sales to one box of disposable masks per person, with 1,000 boxes available. A citizen who visited Traders said, "I arrived at 8 a.m., but there were already hundreds of people," adding, "Fortunately, I was able to purchase a mask, but those who came at 9 a.m. left without buying any."

As crowds gathered, at major stores the distribution of numbered tickets ended before the store opened. Emart Traders posted 'Masks Sold Out' notices at the main entrance and parking lots, and people left with disappointed expressions.

Traders explained, "Normally, 20 million masks is a quantity that can be sold over a year," adding, "We believe the demand surged due to the warmer weather."