Recovery in Wedding Goods Consumption Amid Rebound in Marriage Rate
Simmons, Samsung, and Millet Launch New Products
Enhanced Trust and Safety with Premium Technology
With the rebound in the marriage rate during the first half of the year, the movements of leading companies in the wedding goods market are drawing attention.
According to Statistics Korea on September 9, the number of marriages in the first half of this year was 117,873, a 7.1% increase compared to the same period last year. This marks 15 consecutive months of growth and is the highest figure in six years. Analysts attribute this rebound to members of the so-called “second echo boom generation,” those born between 1991 and 1996, reaching the optimal age for marriage, as well as many couples who had postponed their weddings during the pandemic now proceeding with them.
The increase in the number of marriages has also brought a positive impact to related markets. The previously sluggish wedding goods market has regained vitality, and companies are accelerating the launch of products targeting newlyweds. In particular, traditional leaders in the wedding goods sector are combining premium product quality with technological innovation, solidifying their position as reliable choices for prospective newlyweds.
Simmons, Enhanced Durability with Vanadium Pocket Springs
Simmons, the leading company in the bed industry, is cementing its reputation as the “icon of wedding beds” through its pocket spring technology. The newly introduced ‘Simmons Vanadium(VANADIUM) Pocket Spring’ represents a breakthrough technological innovation that delivers the brand’s core value of “unshakable comfort,” offering exceptional durability and comfort. For its 100th anniversary this year, Simmons applied vanadium material to POSCO’s high-tensile steel wire for the first time in domestic manufacturing and production for its top-tier Beautyrest line.
Vanadium is an advanced special material used in aircraft jet engines and high-speed train disc brakes, and alloys incorporating it are highly resistant to deformation even under extreme conditions such as high temperatures and corrosion. Beautyrest products equipped with vanadium pocket springs are evaluated to have far superior durability compared to previous models, making them virtually semi-permanent in use.
Durability test results support this claim. Simmons Vanadium Pocket Springs withstood more than 200,000 durability tests per day. The spring warranty period is also the longest in the industry, at 15 years.
Additionally, Simmons creates the optimal sleep environment through its “zoning” system, which arranges pocket springs based on the user’s body weight distribution and physique, and its “layering” technology, which combines more than 50 types of premium interior materials according to differences in density, strength, properties, and texture.
Thorough quality control through in-house production is another strength. Under its brand philosophy of “sticking to the basics,” Simmons manages and supervises every stage from production and processing to delivery through its “100% in-house production system.” The company also operates a “Sleep Research R&D Center” to develop beds optimized for the body types and lifestyles of Koreans, verifying mattress quality and enhancing technology under stricter conditions than national standards.
Furthermore, Simmons is the only domestic bed brand to implement all three major safety standards for national mattresses: ▲certification for radon and thoron safety for all products ▲nationally certified eco-friendly certification by the Ministry of Environment ▲production of flame-retardant mattresses, thereby safeguarding consumers’ health and safety.
Samsung Electronics, KitchenFit Refrigerator with AI Features
Samsung Electronics, a powerhouse in wedding appliances, is also attracting attention with new products featuring advanced functions. In April, Samsung Electronics launched the “Bespoke AI Hybrid KitchenFit Max,” the first KitchenFit refrigerator model to feature a “Food Showcase” door.
This new product is characterized by its “KitchenFit Max” type, which fits seamlessly into kitchen furniture, and its “Food Showcase” door, which allows users to quickly access frequently used ingredients such as beverages and sauces, greatly enhancing convenience. It can be installed flush with cabinetry with only a 4mm gap on either side.
Notably, a variety of artificial intelligence (AI) features are included, such as: ▲“AI Hybrid Cooling,” which uses semiconductor devices to precisely control internal temperatures and keep food fresher ▲“Bixby,” which allows users to open the door or adjust the temperature via voice commands ▲“AI Screen,” which enables food management, product control, and even viewing photos or listening to music ▲“AI Vision Inside,” which automatically recognizes the addition or removal of ingredients for efficient management.
Millet, Enhanced Convenience with Automatic Detergent Dispensing
Millet Korea, the German premium home appliance brand, recently attracted attention in the market with the launch of its “G 7000 Redesign” dishwasher series, which boasts powerful cleaning performance and sustainability.
The G 7000 Redesign dishwasher features the “AutoDos 2.0” automatic detergent dispensing system, which improves both cleaning performance and user convenience. AutoDos 2.0 automatically dispenses the appropriate amount of detergent according to the level of soiling and the selected washing program. By using the dedicated “PowerDisk” detergent, the dishwasher can operate for about a month without the need for additional detergent refills.
The “3D Multiplex Tray,” which maximizes internal space utilization, is designed with a three-tier structure consisting of a cutlery tray, an upper basket, and a lower basket, allowing for flexible arrangement of various Korean-style dishes. In particular, the height-adjustable upper basket and the lower basket with a multi-comfort zone make it easy to store and wash even large cookware.
An industry insider in the furniture sector commented, “Young couples today are thoroughly considering not only the brand reputation but also the technological capabilities of products, and are willing to invest generously in products that truly appeal to them.” “Companies that maintain their identity while evolving with the times are building a solid fan base and showing strong performance in the wedding goods market,” he analyzed.
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