6 out of 10 Adults Prepare Valentine's Day Gifts

[Asia Economy Reporter Seungjin Lee] Ahead of Valentine's Day, more than half of adult men and women are preparing gifts for their partners, family, and others.

On the 13th, according to a survey conducted by G9, a trend life shopping site operated by eBay Korea, targeting a total of 803 customers over 10 days from the 4th, regarding their 'Valentine's Day gift plans,' 6 out of 10 people (59%) responded that they 'have gift plans.'

However, when asked about their views on 'Valentine's Day,' 58% answered that it 'has no meaning.' In other words, while the day itself is not given much significance, it is interpreted that so-called 'obligatory gift purchases' occur as people feel the need to buy gifts.

As for the 'gift recipients,' 'partners/spouses' ranked first at 42%, followed by 'family' (27%), and 'self-gifting' (13%) also showed relatively high responses. The 'desired gift items' were overwhelmingly led by the most basic and least burdensome 'chocolates/candies' at 62%. Next were 'beauty products' (10%), 'luxury wallets/bags' (9%), 'couple items' (5%), and 'fashion clothing' (4%).

The 'desired gift items to receive' also ranked 'chocolates/candies' first at 38%, 'luxury wallets/bags' second at 19%, followed by 'beauty products' (12%), 'couple items' (6%), and 'IT products' (6%). The 'expected gift purchase cost' had the highest response for 'under 50,000 won' (74%).

When asked about the 'place of gift purchase,' the highest response was 'online malls' (61%). The reasons given were 'affordable prices' (55%) and 'lack of time to shop' (22%), with 'reluctance to go out' accounting for 13%, following behind. It is analyzed that the recent COVID-19 issue has had some influence.

Meanwhile, at G9, sales of gift products have significantly increased ahead of Valentine's Day. From February 1 to 11, chocolate sales more than doubled (106%) compared to the same period last year, with candies (417%) and caramels (500%) also surging. 'Perfume sets' sales increased by 33%, 'brand couple watches' by 144%, and 'brand men's shoes' by 12%, respectively.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.