Revenge Direct Purchases Instead of Overseas Travel This Year... "Will Grow Even More Next Year"

Gmarket·Auction, 48% Increase in Overseas Direct Purchases Year-on-Year
Health and Medical Supplies, Health Foods Popular

[Asia Economy Reporter Minyoung Cha] This year, overseas direct purchase sales through Gmarket and Auction surged as it was difficult to travel abroad due to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

eBay Korea, a leading domestic online marketplace, announced on the 24th that sales volume of major overseas direct purchase items on Gmarket and Auction increased by 48% compared to the same period last year, based on data from January 1 to December 22.

With growing interest in health, related items showed remarkable growth. Sales of ‘health and medical products,’ including silver products and massage devices, increased more than fivefold (410%), and ‘health supplements’ also showed a 12% rise. Various leisure activities that can be done alone or in small groups, which help with health management and physical fitness, were highly favored. Accordingly, ‘bicycles’ sales increased by 74%, ‘camping and fishing’ items sold 70% more than last year, ‘golf’ rose by 53%, and ‘hiking and outdoor gear’ recorded a 24% increase.

Demand also grew for traditionally popular overseas direct purchase categories such as home appliances, digital devices, and fashion items. With increased demand for home-cooked meals, sales of ‘kitchen appliances’ and ‘kitchenware’ rose by 72% and 41%, respectively, while overseas direct purchases of digital devices like ‘smartphones and tablets’ increased by 71%. In the fashion sector, ‘branded women’s clothing’ recorded nearly triple growth at 172%, and sales of ‘branded watches and jewelry’ also increased by 34%. Additionally, with more time spent at home, ‘furniture and interior’ sales rose by 76%, and ‘toys and playthings’ increased by 11% due to the expansion of online classes replacing commuting to school.

The factors behind the increase in overseas direct purchases include trust in overseas direct purchase products through online shopping malls and easier methods for overseas direct purchases. Gmarket and Auction, operated by eBay Korea, host various specialized overseas direct purchase malls such as ‘Malltail,’ ‘Ople.com,’ and ‘Strawberrynet,’ and source products from local department stores and outlets in major European countries, securing consumer trust. Shopping convenience was also enhanced through services like ‘Fast Direct Purchase,’ which ships within three days from the local site immediately after ordering, and ‘Easy Direct Purchase,’ which displays prices including all customs duties and taxes without additional shipping fees, accounting for exchange rate fluctuations.

Jung Somi, head of eBay Korea’s overseas direct purchase team, said, “The consumption trends changed by COVID-19 have influenced overseas direct purchases, leading to an increase in customers purchasing a variety of products beyond existing categories. Overseas direct purchases are expected to continue growing next year, and eBay Korea will do its utmost to enhance consumer benefits and services related to this.”

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