'Record-breaking Heatwave Approaches'... Cooling Appliance Sales Increase by 85%

Air Purifier Circulator. (Photo by Emart)

[Asia Economy Reporter Seungjin Lee] As an unprecedented heatwave is expected this summer, sales of cooling appliances have surged significantly.

According to Emart on the 1st, total sales of cooling appliances from the 1st to the 29th of last month increased by 84.5% compared to the same period last year. Although the nationwide heat has slightly eased due to the monsoon influence recently, consumers rushed to purchase cooling appliances in anticipation of an all-time record heatwave this summer.

Among cooling appliances, circulators are especially popular this year. Sales of circulators in June increased sharply by 317.9% compared to the same period last year. Following a 97.3% sales growth from January to May, they continue to show explosive growth.

Notably, this year, for the first time in Emart’s history, circulator sales are expected to surpass those of regular fans. The share of circulator sales in total fan sales was only 27.3% in May-June 2018, but it has increased by 30.5 percentage points to 57.8% in May-June this year.

The reasons for the popularity of circulators despite their price being 2 to 3 times higher than regular fans include convenience and space efficiency. Due to this popularity, Emart is holding a discount event on the ‘Shinil Air Purifying Circulator’ until the 15th.

Also, 'portable and window-type air conditioners' continue their 'blockbuster' streak. Sales of portable air conditioners in June increased fivefold compared to May, and sales of window-type air conditioners increased ninefold during the same period.

The biggest advantage of portable and window-type air conditioners is that they do not require a separate outdoor unit. Unlike traditional air conditioners, they can be easily installed without any construction, making them convenient for rental houses or studio apartments where drilling is difficult. They also save the relocation costs, which can amount to hundreds of thousands of won.

Perceptions about fans are also changing. In the past, most fans had 3 or 4 blades, but recently, multi-blade fans with 5 or 7 blades have been rapidly spreading, showing that fans themselves are strengthening their competitiveness.

Yang Seung-kwan, Emart’s home appliance buyer, explained, "It is worth watching whether emerging leaders in cooling appliances such as circulators and portable/window-type air conditioners will bring about a generational shift."