Expanding to Myeong-dong and Seongsu... "Just 5,000 Won" Draws Crowds

[Anchor]

Amid high inflation and an economic downturn, consumer shopping habits are changing. The so-called "ultra-low-cost fashion" market, featuring t-shirts starting at 5,000 won and accessories from 1,000 won, is growing rapidly.

Reporter Hong Yeongjae has the story.

[Reporter]

A fashion store in Myeong-dong, Seoul, is packed with teenagers, people in their 20s, and foreign tourists.

Hairpins and earrings covering the walls are priced in the 1,000-won range, pouches are 3,000 won, and t-shirts start from the 10,000-won range.

With most clothes and bags priced under 30,000 won, shoppers feel less burdened even when their shopping baskets get heavy.

[Hwang Ji-yeon / University student: If I budget around 10,000 won here, I can buy three hairpins and a t-shirt, or maybe a bag.]

These "ultra-low-cost" fashion stores, which started out small in Dongdaemun wholesale markets, are expanding into major commercial districts such as Myeong-dong and Seongsu.

Much like warehouse-style stores such Costco or E-Mart Traders that lower prices through bulk purchasing and streamlined distribution, these shops gather a wide variety of fashion goods—including clothes and accessories—in one place for bulk sales.

[Han Young-gyu / CEO of Mimiline: I think the current trend itself makes it very difficult to operate with just a single product. Because we advocate for wholesale and pursue a wholesale pricing policy, we are able to sell a bit cheaper than regular retail stores.]

Daiso, which mainly used to sell household goods, is also rapidly expanding its fashion product lineup, ranging from t-shirts to windbreakers and other sportswear.

None of the items exceed 5,000 won.

[Han Dong-geol / Office worker: I heard that their products are famous on YouTube and shorts as cost-effective running gear, so I came here.]

Another advantage is that it saves shoppers the effort of comparing quality and prices, allowing for easy and casual purchasing decisions.

[Tom / Tourist from Hong Kong: Sometimes I just want clothes I can buy without thinking too much about it. If I wear them a or two times and don't like them, I can just throw them away.]

Daiso's sales in the fashion sector for the first half of this year increased by 140% compared to last year.

As consumer demand grows to buy multiple items with a small amount of money and casually enjoy short-lived trends, the scope of "ultra-low-cost fashion" is expanding rapidly.

(Camera & Video Editor: Park Hyun-chul, Lee Hong-myung)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.