GS25 sales of disposable hand warmers rose more than elevenfold in the first seven days of October from the previous week, retailers said.
South Korean convenience stores reported a sharp increase in demand for cold-weather products after temperatures fell early this month. The figures compare the first seven days of October with the previous week.
At GS25, sales of disposable hand warmers rose more than elevenfold, while sales of tights for cold weather increased by a similar margin. Sales of popular seasonal foods and drinks also climbed: instant fish cakes rose 653 percent, baked sweet potatoes 132 percent and traditional tea 50.2 percent.
CU reported a 400 percent increase in disposable hand-warmer sales over the same period. An industry official said sales of winter snacks and cold-weather gear were rising sharply as colder conditions set in. The figures were supplied by the retailers and compare sales with the previous week.