Cold Weather is a Must... Fashion Industry Sees Sales Soar

Unexpected Autumn Cold Snap After 17 Years
Fleece and Padding Sales Increase Up to 10 Times

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Hye-seon] The fashion industry is experiencing a surprise boom due to the early cold wave this fall. With a cold wave warning issued in October for the first time in 17 years, demand for winter clothing such as padding and fleece has surged significantly. Forecasts predict that this winter will be colder than usual and last until February, prompting fashion and retail companies to launch various promotions.

According to the fashion industry on the 21st, from the 15th to the 19th, outdoor sales at Lotte Department Store increased by 25% compared to the same period last year. Women's fashion and men's fashion also rose by 15% and 16%, respectively. At Shinsegae Department Store, outdoor sales and men's fashion sales jumped by 40.1% and 21.2%, respectively. Online malls are also seeing growth in clothing sales. On Lotte ON, sales of winter jumpers on the 18th increased nearly sixfold compared to the previous year. Sales of winter jumpers from adult sports brands also increased sevenfold.

Outdoor companies, whose winter sales account for more than 60% of total sales, are breathing a sigh of relief. An industry insider explained, "Until early this month, sales were sluggish with a 10% decline compared to last year due to warmer-than-average weather, but sales surged by double digits as it suddenly got colder."

Black Yak’s ‘U Macaron Duo Fleece Down Hoody Jacket (photo)’ experienced a shortage, with the initial stock completely sold out. It features eco-fleece material made by recycling domestic PET bottles. Now’s ‘Foggy Fleece’ in beige and grayish blue colors is currently sold out and has entered its second reorder. Black Yak’s ‘Seat Down Fleece Series,’ including the ‘U Macaron Duo Fleece Down Hoody Jacket,’ saw sales increase by 35% from the previous week during November 11?17.

Outdoor brand K2’s ‘Bichon Fleece Down’ sales also rose by 50% compared to last year. Sales of the ‘Thin Air Down Jumper’ this month increased nearly tenfold.

Various promotions are underway due to the early cold wave. Lotte Department Store exclusively launched Nepa’s Jun Ji-hyun Bomber Down Jacket and Black Yak’s IU L Terrier Short Down through pre-planning. The total scale is about 3.4 billion KRW, approximately 16,000 units. Lotte Department Store’s eco-friendly private brand ‘OOTT,’ launched last September, is also releasing various products. Fashion brands are increasing short padding quantities by 10?20% depending on the brand and launching items with various colors and materials.

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