Polarization in the infant and children's products market, where high-end and value-conscious spending coexist

In the infant and children’s products market, both highpriced premium products and secondhand, valueformoney consumption are increasing at the same time. Even as the low birthrate continues, different consumer patterns have emerged clearly at department stores and on secondhand trading platforms. Sales of infant and children’s products at Lotte, Shinsegae, and Hyundai Department Store in the first half of this year rose by an average of 25% compared with last year, and sales of premium brands increased by more than 50% on average. In particular, highpriced products such as strollers and car seats appear to have seen growing demand based on safety and brand preference. On the other hand, items with short replacement cycles such as baby carriers, cribs, and clothing saw active secondhand trading. The number of transactions in the infant and children’s category on Karrot Market from January to April this year increased by 6% compared with the same period last year. The industry believes that even as the number of households with children decreases, both spending concentrated on one child and consumption that values practicality are working together.