SSG.com "Summer Vacation Trends Changed by COVID-19... Camping Gear and Backpack Sales Up"

[Asia Economy Reporter Seungjin Lee] Due to the impact of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), the number of people spending their summer vacations on domestic travel such as 'chabak' (car camping) or 'home camping' has significantly increased.

On the 28th, SSG.com analyzed sales data for about two months from June 1 to July 27 and found that sales of vacation-related products such as 'camping' and 'travel bags' increased by about 50% compared to the previous two months. On the other hand, products related to overseas travel such as 'passport wallets' and 'multi-adapters' showed only minimal growth during the same period, reflecting the changed vacation consumption trends.

In particular, as more customers sought to enjoy quiet vacations avoiding crowded places, sales of 'chabak'-related items showed strong growth. Sales of 'docking tents' and 'air mats' that can be connected to car trunks increased by 664% and 90%, respectively, while sales of 'icebox' types increased more than tenfold.

Meat consumption, an essential part of camping, also increased. Overall sales rose by more than 10%, and sales volume of grilling beef cuts such as sirloin, tenderloin, and striploin increased by about 20%. Following the recent trend of preferring easy-to-cook meal kits, sales of related products such as 'Peacock Buchaesal Steak Meal Kit (322g)' also surged.

Purchases of 'home camping' related products for enjoying camping at home also increased noticeably. Orders for artificial grass that gives an outdoor feel increased 15 times, and sales of indoor water play products such as 'Intex pools' rose by about 252%. The popularity is attributed to the ability to enjoy vacations at home without external contact and the opportunity to decorate the home in a unique way different from usual.

Backpack products, typically known to peak during school opening seasons, also showed notable growth. Sales increased by more than 20% during the same period and showed over 70% growth compared to last year's peak season (February to March), indicating high sales. This trend reflects the increase in so-called 'backpacking' travelers who use trains or buses carrying small bags instead of airplanes requiring suitcases, due to the impossibility of overseas travel.

Travel suitcases showed a trend where sales increased as the capacity became 'smaller.' Sales of carry-on suitcases under 24 inches, suitable for short trips, increased by more than 128%, while checked luggage suitcases over 28 inches needed for long trips increased by only 30%. Recently, lightweight 'mini suitcase' products that can hold small items have gained popularity on social networking services (SNS), leading to increased sales mainly among customers in their 20s and 30s.

Meanwhile, reflecting these product trends, SSG.com plans to offer up to 10% discounts on about 100 outdoor camping products from specialized brands such as 'Coleman,' 'Buffalo,' and 'Hilleberg' through the premium special price corner 'Happy Virus' until August 4.

Choi Taekwon, Head of Sales at SSG.com, said, "We will prepare various products so that customers can make satisfactory vacation preparations ahead of the peak summer season," adding, "We will propose highly satisfying products by quickly identifying product trends reflecting seasonality."

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