5 out of 10 Consumers "Increased Interest in Companion Plants After COVID-19"
Floral Market Bustles in Spring... "Many More Young Customers"
[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam, Intern Reporter Lee Seohui] Since the COVID-19 pandemic, as people have spent more time at home, interest in companion plants that provide comfort in tiring daily life has increased. Some citizens have shown as much affection for companion plants as for pets, finding vitality in life by caring for these plants. As companion plants have become a lifestyle trend, new terms such as 'Home Gardening,' which refers to cultivating a vegetable garden at home, and 'Planterier,' decorating the home using plants, have emerged.
Interest in companion plants has risen since COVID-19. According to a survey conducted last year by the Rural Development Administration on 726 agri-food consumer panelists regarding their perception of companion plants, 51.1% of respondents said their interest in companion plants increased after COVID-19. By age group, 20s and 30s (61.1%) reported a greater increase in interest in companion plants compared to those aged 60 and above (46.3%).
In line with this trend, related industries are also showing sales growth. Last year, Lotte Department Store's home gardening-related sales more than doubled compared to the previous year. Sales in the first quarter of this year also grew by more than 70% compared to the same period last year. Especially with the arrival of spring, demand to brighten up the home atmosphere and redecorate led to about 40% of last year's home gardening sales occurring during spring (March to May).
The flower market is also regaining vitality. Even last weekend, young people continued to visit flower markets such as Yangjae Flower Market in Seocho-gu, Seoul, and Jongno Flower Market in Jongno-gu.
Jung (54), who runs 'Hanareum Gardening' on the first floor of Yangjae Flower Market, said, "There are many more young customers than before COVID-19. Many young couples visit as a weekend date course, and many young families come with their parents." He added, "Flowers that are easy to care for are popular. They mainly buy plants that require little watering and have long vitality."
Kim (51), who operates 'Daum Fleur' at Jongno Flower Market, said, "Last week, so many young people visited that flowers almost ran out. The number of young customers has increased about 3 to 4 times compared to before COVID-19. Among every 10 customers, 5 to 6 are in their 20s and 30s." He added, "Compared to pets, companion plants are relatively easier to care for, so many visit for that reason." Kim also said, "Some people buy flowers after seeing them on Instagram and other social media. The popularity on social media seems to contribute to the companion plant craze."
On the 29th of last month, MBC's 'I Live Alone' aired footage of SHINee member Key visiting a flower market. To prepare a spring vegetable garden, Key purchased Shine Muscat seedlings, myeonginamul (wild garlic), kale, romaine, and more. Notably, he prepared myeonginamul seedlings and a mini vinyl greenhouse for mass cultivation of myeonginamul.
Experts analyze that the rise in popularity of companion plants after COVID-19 is related to young people's increased interest in health. Professor Lee Eunhee of Inha University's Department of Consumer Studies said, "After COVID-19, interest in health and the desire for communication have increased. Companion plants can satisfy both these needs." She added, "Also, companion plants have an interior decoration effect, which aligns well with the tendency of young people who value their own space."
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