Reflecting consumers’ growing interest in a peaceful and practical lifestyle, a report by Korea Trade-Investments Promotion Agency found that the proven selling code worldwide is "healing.” The result was released by Korea Trade-Investments Promotion Agency (KOTRA) in a report on bestselling products in the age of the global economic downturn worldwide conducted in 15 countries.


The report said that consumers are looking for new sources of recreation and relief, as well as for inspiration and idealism in the grips of the tough economic reality: sports and leisure products, environment-friendly and health products, beauty products. Amid economic uncertainty and growing social stress, consumers are increasingly longing for peace, warmth, and recuperation, the report highlighted.

It noted that instead of high-end sports products, affordable running shoes and bicycles are among the hippest products among young people who have a keen interest in leisure and sporting products, a clear sign that they are searching for a means to relieve collective angst and social stress.


Health products are on the rise, which is in contrast to the early phase of the economic downturn. The organic food industry rose up to about ten percent in France and the U.S., and in the Netherlands, a DIY home-gardening set for growing high-quality organic food, is booming. Zero-calorie health drinks hit record sales in Japan. The Korean health food industry has been doing well in the U.S., and a Korean-made juicer for fresh fruits and vegetables is a hit product in China.

The report said that premium cosmetics are especially popular among consumers due to the so-called ”lipstick effect,” a theory that states that during periods of recession or economic downturn, consumers will eschew big-ticket luxury items and seek material solace in smaller indulgences. Thanks to this trend, the Korean cosmetics industry is exporting beauty products aggressively to the markets of the world.

By An Myungok
Korea.net Staff Writer