▲ Chuseok gift sets displayed at a large discount store
Alcoholic beverages such as whisky and wine are gaining popularity among Chuseok gift sets sold at large discount stores.
According to results released by E-Mart today comparing sales trends for Chuseok gift sets between 10 years ago and this year, gift sets for alcoholic beverages rose from 8th place in sales ranking in 2016 to 4th place this year.
In 2016, the sales share was led by canned goods (24.4%), seasonings (12.7%), daily necessities such as shampoo and socks (11.2%), and fruits (10.5%).
Alcoholic beverages accounted for only 6.2%, ranking 8th.
This year, the order changed to canned goods (25.7%), seasonings (14.6%), fruits (9.7%), and alcoholic beverages (9.2%).
While practical gifts such as canned goods and seasonings remain popular, demand for daily necessity gifts like shampoo and socks has declined, whereas preference for alcoholic beverages has increased.
Among alcoholic beverage gift sets, whisky showed a particularly strong trend.
From August 6, the start of pre-orders for this year's Chuseok gift sets, through September 22, E-Mart's liquor gift set sales increased by 22.2% compared to the same period during last year's Chuseok.
At department stores, demand for ultra-expensive whiskies is growing ahead of the holiday.
Shinsegae Department Store began selling ultra-expensive whiskies ahead of Chuseok, including The Macallan 40 Years Old (32 million KRW), 50 Years Old (123 million KRW), 71 Years Old (180 million KRW), and 78 Years Old (220 million KRW).
The Macallan 71 Years Old was actually sold.
Lotte Department Store is selling the rare "Château Margaux 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 Vintage Collection," while Hyundai Department Store is offering ultra-expensive wines such as the "Petrus 18-Bottle Vertical Collection" and high-end whiskies like "The Balvenie 50 Years Old."
An official in the retail industry stated, "As consumer tastes become more personalized and segmented, the criteria for choosing holiday gifts are changing."
(Photo: Yonhap News)
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