Mask Shortage Crisis? Never Twice

Surging Mask Demand After Hesitation
Webkips Sold Out Immediately Upon Restock
KF94 Sales Increasing Again
Steady Production Boosts Inventory
Distribution Industry Offers Indefinite Discounts

A customer is purchasing a mask at a convenience store in Seoul.

[Asia Economy Reporter Seungjin Lee] Due to concerns over a second wave of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), demand for masks is exploding. However, thanks to ample stockpiles accumulated so far and increased mask production facilities, the mask shortage that occurred in February and March is unlikely to be repeated.

Mask Sales Increase Amid COVID-19 Resurgence

According to the distribution industry on the 21st, mask demand surged significantly as COVID-19 confirmed cases exploded over the past weekend. Since the 17th, Wellkips, a mask manufacturer that started regular mask sales, has seen all mask products sold out immediately upon restocking at 9:30 a.m. daily on its online store. Although the restocked quantity exceeds 300,000 masks, the fear of COVID-19 infection is causing rapid depletion of stock.

Mask demand has also increased significantly elsewhere. On the 19th, Lotte Mart’s mask sales rose 112.2% compared to the 12th, a week earlier. SSG.com’s mask sales from the 15th to the 19th increased by 189.8% compared to the same period the previous week. Lotte Mart also saw a 10.6% increase over the same period.

Despite this situation, the industry expects little concern over a mask shortage. Early this year, mask demand surged explosively due to COVID-19, prompting manufacturers to steadily increase production and stockpile large quantities. Additionally, consumers have learned from the previous mask shortage and have been purchasing masks regularly.

A distribution industry official explained, "Even when confirmed cases were relatively low, we always gathered the maximum possible quantity for sale, and demand remained steady. Consumers have many masks stored at home, so the simultaneous panic buying seen earlier this year has not occurred." Mask sales at pharmacies have also remained stable.

On the 19th, a pharmacy official in Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, said, "Compared to last week, there has been little change in mask sales trends, and there are no issues with mask orders through the pharmacist-exclusive mall. However, as confirmed cases surged, sales of KF94 masks increased even in hot weather, with sales split evenly between droplet-blocking masks and KF94 masks."

Distribution Industry: "No Second Mask Shortage"

The industry plans to increase both production and sales volumes to prepare for any possible mask shortage. A Wellkips official stated, "Starting today, we plan to increase the types and quantities of masks sold on our online mall overall," adding, "We will continuously increase stock to ensure no inconvenience in mask purchases."

The three major discount stores have launched mask discount events at stores nationwide. Lotte Mart secured a total of 1.5 million masks, including 300,000 KF masks and 1.2 million droplet-blocking masks, and will sell masks at discounted prices until the 26th. In addition to existing stock, a significant amount of newly secured stock will be sold without purchase quantity limits per person. L.POINT members can buy 50 disposable masks for 17,910 KRW when paying with affiliated cards.

Homeplus is also holding an indefinite mask discount event at nationwide stores and its online mall until the COVID-19 situation stabilizes. Homeplus prepared a total of 870,000 masks for this event, including 350,000 KF94 masks and 520,000 droplet-blocking masks. The purchase limit per person has been raised from 2 to 20 masks. The price of KF94 masks, previously 1,290 KRW each, has been reduced by 23% to 990 KRW.

Emart has prepared 700,000 droplet-blocking masks. Until the 26th, five droplet-blocking mask products will be sold at 2,400 KRW, 26% cheaper than the original price. Until the 2nd of next month, 50 children’s daily masks will be offered at 8,900 KRW, discounted by 4,000 KRW from the original price. Emart stated that, aside from these promotional products, there is existing stock, so they will not impose purchase quantity limits or distribute numbered tickets as they did in February and March.

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