"Year-end Spending Expected to Grow Larger Than Last Year" Anticipated Expenditure 640,000 Won, Up 200,000 Won from Previous Year

Gmarket Pre-Survey for Big Smile Day
Top Spenders Are Men, Most Desired Item is 'Robot Vacuum Cleaner'

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Yuri] With growing expectations for phased daily recovery (With Corona) and the year-end approaching, consumer sentiment is expected to revive.

Gmarket and Auction conducted a survey from the 16th to the 22nd targeting a total of 4,650 customers about their shopping plans related to the year-round biggest shopping festival, 'Big Smile Day.' The results showed that compared to last year, many respondents plan to significantly increase their spending and purchase digital and home appliances for staying at home.

When asked about the maximum amount they plan to spend during this Big Smile Day, 22% responded they would spend 1,000,000 KRW, the highest percentage, followed by 300,000 KRW at 21%, and 500,000 KRW at 19%. Those planning to spend 2,000,000 KRW accounted for 10%. The average expected spending amount is approximately 641,000 KRW, which is nearly 200,000 KRW higher than the average spending of 469,000 KRW from the same period last year.

By gender, men are expected to open their wallets wider. Among men, 26% responded they would spend 1,000,000 KRW, the highest percentage, and 13% said 2,000,000 KRW. In contrast, women’s top response was 300,000 KRW at 26%, followed by 500,000 KRW (20%) and 1,000,000 KRW (18%). Accordingly, the average spending amount was higher for men at 723,000 KRW compared to women at 542,000 KRW.

In an open-ended question asking "If you were to buy only one item, what would it be?" the top answer was 'robot vacuum cleaner' (15%), followed by washing machines and dryers (11%), computers and laptops (9%), refrigerators (8%), and TVs (6%). Preferences were mainly for high-priced digital and home appliances related to staying at home.

Looking at preferred items by category, in the digital and home appliances category, small home appliances (26%), digital devices (22%), and seasonal appliances (15%) ranked highest. In the grocery category, seasonal fresh foods (24%), daily necessities (22%), and easy-to-cook foods (15%) were popular. For hobby items, home training equipment (43%), camping (16%), and travel/airline tickets (14%) were favored. In furniture and interior items, bedding for winter preparation (26%), interior accessories (21%), and large furniture (20%) were preferred. Fashion and beauty items showed popularity for famous brand clothing/accessories (36%), cost-effective trendy clothing and shoes (26%), and one-mile look outfits (13%).

Moon Joo-yeon, Head of Sales at Gmarket, said, "With growing expectations for phased daily recovery, consumer sentiment is regaining momentum, so we are preparing the event solidly to enjoy the year-end shopping season together with 'With Big Smile Day.' Especially, through the survey, we plan to offer exceptional benefits focusing on products that customers particularly prefer."

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