[Anchor]

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

Reporter Hong Yeongjae has the details.

[Reporter]

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

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

Most clothes and bags cost under 30,000 won, reducing the burden even when shopping carts get heavy.

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

Such "ultra-low-cost" fashion stores, which originally started small in the Dongdaemun wholesale market, are expanding into major commercial districts such as Myeong-dong and Seongsu.

Similar to warehouse-style stores like Costco or E-Mart Traders that lower prices through bulk purchasing and reduced distribution stages, this business model gathers a wide variety of fashion goods, including clothes and accessories, in one place to sell in large quantities.

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

Daiso, which mainly sold household goods, is also rapidly expanding its fashion product lines ranging from t-shirts to sportswear like windbreakers.

None of the prices exceed 5,000 won.

[Han Dong-geol / Office Worker: I came here because I heard on YouTube and shorts that these products are famous as cost-effective items for running.]

Another advantage is that it saves consumers the trouble of comparing quality and prices, allowing for light and easy decisions.

[Tom / Tourist from Hong Kong: Sometimes I want clothes that I can buy without thinking too much. If I wear them once or twice 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 consumption increases to buy multiple products with a small amount of money and casually enjoy short-lived trends, the realm of "ultra-low-cost fashion" is expanding rapidly.

(Video Shooting: Park Hyun-chul | Video Editing: Lee Hong-myung)