'When it's hot and humid' Department store sales increase.. The rule of 'Molkangseu'

[Financial News] As the heatwave and rainy season bring bad weather, sales and visitors to large distribution channels with comfortable indoor spaces such as department stores and outlets are increasing. 
According to the industry on the 20th, major department stores have seen an increase in both visitors and sales since the beginning of this month. In particular, sales in the food and beverage (F&B) and sports categories have noticeably increased.
From the 1st to the 17th of this month, the number of visitors to Lotte Department Store increased by 10% compared to the same period last year. Shinsegae Department Store and Hyundai Department Store also saw a 14% and 13% increase in visitors, respectively, during the same period, with sales increasing by 11.1% and 10.7%. As family outings focused on dining out, Lotte Department Store's F&B sales increased by about 10%. Shinsegae Department Store and Hyundai Department Store's food and beverage category sales also increased by 15.8% and 12.4%, respectively.
Sales of summer-related products have also increased significantly ahead of the summer vacation season. Lotte Department Store stated, "With the implementation of the indoor swimming pool cultural expense deduction policy, swimwear sales grew by 15%, and appliance sales increased by 10% due to the top efficiency appliance refund policy."
The bedding category sales growth rate at Shinsegae Department Store reached 33.7%, reflecting the demand for cooling bedding. In the case of Hyundai Department Store, sales of sports-related products increased by 23.9%, and the living sector also grew by 18.8%.
In response, the industry is conducting various promotions to attract customers to indoor shopping malls.
Lotte Department Store will hold a 'Summer Gourmet Week' at all branches from the 25th to August 10th, offering prize events for F&B purchasing customers. The 'Summer Wine Festa', which sells a variety of wines, champagnes, and whiskies at discounted prices, and a jewelry brand pop-up store considering summer accessory demand will also be held. Shinsegae Department Store is opening a surfing brand select shop pop-up store for customers preparing for summer water activities and is also preparing an exhibition to appreciate works that capture the summer. Hyundai Department Store will present an exotic space production with the concept of Maui Island in Hawaii at the indoor garden Sounds Forest at The Hyundai Seoul until the 17th of next month. Additionally, the 'Hu'i Hu'i Maui' event, which decorates all stores with a Hawaiian concept, is ongoing until August 21st.
An industry official said, "It seems that the number of 'Molkangseu' people who want to spend time in comfortable indoor spaces has increased as the heatwave and rainy season continue."

wonder@fnnews.com Jeong Sanghee Reporter