"Fearing Another Crisis"... People Stocking Up on Self-Test Kits

Concerns Over Shortage as Cases Rise
CU Kit Sales Up 798% Compared to Previous Month
No Immediate Supply Disruptions Expected

A customer is purchasing a self-test kit at the convenience store GS25.

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Housewife Choi purchased 10 self-test kits at a convenience store. She was worried that there might be a shortage like last winter as new confirmed cases surged. Choi said, "I thought I would never have to buy them again, but since confirmed cases have been appearing one after another at the daycare my child attends, testing before going to the center is essential," adding, "I bought them in advance fearing it might become difficult to get them again like before."

As the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases recently exceeded 100,000, sales of self-test kits have surged in the distribution industry. Although consumers are increasingly concerned about a possible shortage of self-diagnosis kits, there is currently no disruption in supply.

According to CU on the 27th, sales of self-test kits from the 19th to the 25th of this month increased by 798.1% compared to the same period last month. During the same period, GS25 saw a 276.3% increase in self-test kit sales, Seven Eleven 500%, and Emart24 845%. Convenience stores are allowed to sell self-test kits at all stores nationwide until September 30. CU has reduced the price of self-test kits by 20%, selling each for 4,000 won, while GS25 and Seven Eleven are running a ‘2+1’ promotion on self-diagnosis kits until the end of next month.

Many people have also been purchasing self-test kits on major online malls. On Gmarket, sales of self-test kits increased by 790% compared to the previous month, and on 11st, sales rose by 767%. Due to the high demand for self-test kits, prices on open markets have been gradually rising. According to 11st, the price of SD Biosensor kits slightly increased from 3,000?4,000 won last month to 4,000?5,000 won this month.

Sales of personal protective equipment have also increased. At GS25, mask sales rose by 41.6% compared to the previous month, and at Seven Eleven by 20%. For hand sanitizers, sales surged by 167.7% at CU and 87.6% at GS25. Sales of household medicines also increased. At CU, sales of cold medicine and Tylenol rose by 54.1% compared to the previous month. At GS25, cold medicine sales increased by 63.7% and Tylenol by 69.9%. At Seven Eleven, sales of household medicines rose by 50%, and at Emart24, sales of cold medicine and Tylenol increased by 45%.

A convenience store industry official said, "Sales of self-test kits have sharply increased due to the COVID-19 resurgence," adding, "So far, there is absolutely no problem with supply."

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