Record-Long Rainy Season Boosts 'Outdated' Dehumidifier Sales 8-Fold
Fan and Air Conditioner Sales Nearly Halved
Typhoon Impact Expected After Rainy Season... "Dehumidifier Appliances Will Remain Popular"
As the longest rainy season in history is forecasted, sales of dehumidifiers are rapidly increasing. Photo by Asia Economy DB
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] #. Kim Suyeon (pseudonym), a housewife living in Gireum-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, purchased a dehumidifier at a mart a few days ago. Despite buying a new air conditioner two months ago in anticipation of a record-breaking heatwave forecast by the Korea Meteorological Administration, the rainy season arrived instead of the heat. She had postponed buying a dehumidifier several times and planned to get through this summer without one, but there was no other way to deal with the unique dampness caused by the prolonged rainy season.
As heavy rains continued nationwide and the longest rainy season on record was forecasted, many consumers began seeking dehumidifiers. After four years of dry rainy seasons that had dampened demand, the demand for dehumidifiers increased, and home appliance companies that consider the rainy season their peak season also became busier.
Winix, a traditional leader in dehumidifier production and sales, saw its dehumidifier sales increase by nearly 80% last month compared to the same period last year. Frequent rains since June prompted consumers to purchase dehumidifiers in advance.
Sales of large-capacity dehumidifiers made by Shinil Electronics also surged. Shinil Electronics introduced 20L and 23L large-capacity dehumidifiers this year to expand its consumer base. It also launched mini dryers targeting single-person households. Shinil Electronics announced that its dehumidifier sales in the first half of this year (January to June) increased by 266% compared to the same period last year.
Coway's sales of high-efficiency dehumidifiers in June and July also rose by 30% compared to the same period last year. Cuckoo also reported that its dehumidifier sales in the second quarter (April to June) increased by 22% compared to the same period last year. A Coway official said, "With the expected heavy rains this year, consumer interest in dehumidifiers that make indoor air comfortable has increased."
According to Electronic Land, dehumidifier sales from May to July increased by 30% compared to the same period last year. According to the price comparison site Enuri, dehumidifier sales in June and July increased by 22% compared to the same period last year, and sales revenue also rose by 37%. On the online shopping mall SSG.com, dehumidifier sales increased by 703% over the last weekend (July 1-2) compared to the previous year.
While appliances that control humidity are doing well, those that combat heat are struggling. Shinil Electronics, the number one domestic fan seller, found itself in the position of parents with sons selling umbrellas and straw sandals this summer. Anticipating a heatwave this year, Shinil Electronics operated three production lines at its Cheonan factory at full capacity until mid-July. However, the average temperature nationwide in July was only 22.4 degrees Celsius, marking the third lowest July temperature on record since meteorological observations began. As a result, fan sales in July remained at levels similar to the average year.
Small cooling appliance companies aiming for the summer peak are also disappointed. Paseco, which manufactures air circulators and window-type air conditioners, saw fan sales decrease by 22% and window-type air conditioner sales drop by 25% in July compared to the same period last year.
According to Gmarket, air conditioner sales last month decreased by 59%, and Electronic Land also reported a 33% decline in air conditioner sales. Although the Korea Meteorological Administration predicted a 'record-breaking heatwave' with more than twice the usual number of hot days this summer, the formation of a stationary front due to cold air from the Arctic and high pressure caused the rainy season to be prolonged, resulting in seasonal appliance companies not benefiting this year.
An official from the home appliance industry said, "With the prolonged rainy season this year and the spread of the home-cation culture instead of vacations, dehumidifier sales surged," adding, "With typhoons and other effects expected after the rainy season, the popularity of rainy season appliances such as dehumidifiers, dryers, and clothing care devices is expected to continue for the time being."
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