This Summer, Especially Hot, 'Air Conditioner' Sales Doubled

Window-Type and Portable Sales Stand Out

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] Sales of cooling appliances such as air conditioners and fans are surging due to the heatwave and tropical nights. Sales of window-type and portable air conditioners, which do not require complicated installation processes, are particularly prominent.

On the 15th, Lotte Hi-Mart announced that air conditioner sales in the second week of July doubled compared to the same period last year. In particular, sales of window-type air conditioners, which can be self-installed on windows without a separate outdoor unit, soared by 490%.

Electro Land also reported that air conditioner sales from the 7th to the 13th increased by 188% compared to the same period last year.

Outside of electronics specialty stores, air conditioner sales are also rapidly increasing at large marts and e-commerce companies. Between the 8th and 14th of this month, nationwide Emart air conditioner sales surged by 451% compared to the same period last year (July 9?15, 2020). In particular, sales of window-type and portable air conditioners grew by an astonishing 733% compared to last year.

On Lotte On, air conditioner sales increased by 178% over the past week, with window-type and portable air conditioners sales soaring by 340%.

The distribution industry expects a special demand for air conditioners this summer as a strong heatwave caused by the 'heat dome phenomenon' is forecast to hit the Korean Peninsula from the 20th, with tropical nights becoming severe. The increase in demand for telecommuting and staying at home due to the recent upgrade to social distancing level 4 is also expected to fuel air conditioner demand.

Lee Jae-wan, SCM team leader at Lotte Hi-Mart, said, "During the heatwave in 2018, consumers who purchased air conditioners late had to wait up to 15 days for installation," adding, "This year, there are already areas in the southern region where air conditioner delivery and installation are delayed by a day."

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