Large Mart Online Mall, Strength in Fresh Products
Sales Growth Centered on Summer Seasonal Items
As the intense heatwave begins in earnest, orders for seasonal products have increased on large supermarket online malls. Amid the heat and rainy season, consumers are reluctant to go out, leading them to flock to discount store online malls that have competitiveness in fresh products.
According to the distribution industry on the 16th, sales of cold noodles and watermelons on Homeplus online mall increased by 77% and 14%, respectively, compared to the same period last year, from May 27 to July 7. In particular, sales of 'Heukmi Watermelon,' known for its high sugar content among watermelon products, increased eightfold during this period.
A model promoting AI watermelons at Lotte Mart Zeta Flex Seoul Station branch. [Photo by Lotte Mart]
At Lotte Mart as well, online orders increased mainly for summer fruits and health food ingredients. Analyzing last month's sales at Lotte Mart Mall on Lotte On, an e-commerce platform, sales of watermelons and oriental melons increased by more than 10% compared to the same period last year. Unique health foods also gained popularity online. During the same period, lobster sales increased more than fivefold, and duck meat sales also rose by over 50%. At SSG.com’s Emart Mall, watermelon sales grew by 14% during the same period. Sales of home ice cream and ion drinks also increased by 21% and 14%, respectively.
Sales of summer products are also on the rise compared to last year. On Homeplus online mall, sales of fans and air circulators increased by 44% compared to the same period last year. Sales of rainy season products are also showing an upward trend. From June 24, when the rainy season began this year, to July 7, sales of dehumidifiers on Homeplus online mall increased by 120% compared to the same period last year. Sales of parasols, which have emerged as an essential item for summer UV protection, are also increasing. At SSG.com, parasol sales in June increased by 20% compared to the same period last year.
Online malls operated by large supermarkets are experiencing a special demand as the heatwave arrived early this year. Since the midsummer heat began in May this year, orders for fresh foods such as watermelons, ice cream, and health foods have increased. Large supermarket online malls have strengths in fresh foods such as fruits, meat, and ready-to-eat meals. The major large supermarket online malls currently operating deliver products directly from store locations or dedicated logistics centers, allowing fresh products like fruits and meat, as well as frozen items, which require freshness, to be received quickly.
A representative from the distribution industry explained, "During the hot summer, it is difficult to go outside, so the demand for grocery shopping through delivery tends to increase," adding, "The distribution industry is generally affected by the weather, but unlike offline stores where sales increase when the weather is good, online orders tend to increase during heatwaves or bad weather."
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