March Full Return to School Boosts New Semester Supplies Sales 'Soar'

Wemakeprice Sees 58% Increase in Sales of Infant, Children's, and Bag Categories Over the Past Two Weeks

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Cheol-hyun] Unlike last year, with normal enrollment and school attendance taking place in March, the market for new semester supplies necessary for school life is gaining momentum.

Wemakeprice announced on the 4th that an analysis of sales data for new semester-related supplies over the past two weeks showed that sales in the infant and children's bags and schoolbags category increased by 58% compared to the same period last year.

By item, sales of 'indoor shoe bags' surged by up to 864%. This appears to be due to the significant increase in demand as wearing indoor shoes has become mandatory for regular classroom activities. Sales of brand schoolbags (87%) and character schoolbags (41%) also increased.

Rolling backpacks, known as 'bags with wheels,' saw sales rise by up to 71%. With both in-person and online classes being conducted simultaneously, these backpacks are popular as they allow heavy textbooks to be easily transported between school and home.

Sales in the entire writing instruments category also increased by 78%. By specific products, student pencil cases (95%), stationery sets (51%), colored pencils (45%), crayons (22%), and pencils (17%) all saw significant sales growth as various new semester supplies. Additionally, as more schools avoid using shared utensils for personal hygiene, sales of portable cutlery sets increased by 163%, and portable water bottles by 13%.

A Wemakeprice official said, "Last year, the new semester supplies market was somewhat sluggish due to delayed school openings and online classes," adding, "This year, we expect many supplies for in-person school life as usual, along with personal hygiene products and preparations for online classes to be sold in large quantities."