South Korea's department stores saw cosmetic sales growth

Restrictions on use of cosmetic samples were lifted on 15 February.

South Korea’s department stores have seen a spike in sales of cosmetics after the government lifted restrictions on the use of samples, Korea Bizwire reported.

To comply with the government’s infection-control measures, department stores stopped the use of samples within outlets from 24 December 2020. Such restrictions, however, were lifted on 15 February 2021, clearing the way for department stores to restart the use of samples.

Lotte Department Store marked 52% growth in cosmetics sales from 15-24 February compared to a year ago. Sales of perfumes rose by 63% YoY, whilst sales of basic and color cosmetics grew by 49% and 46%, respectively.

During the same period, Hyundai Department Store and Shinsegae Department Store also saw their cosmetics sales rise by 50% and 63%, respectively, compared to a year before.

In contrast Lotte Department Store and Hyundai Department Store saw their cosmetics sales fall by 22% and 8.6% YoY, respectively, in January.

The lifting of the restrictions on use of samples helped boost consumer sentiment. Another contributing factor is mild weather that led to an increase in the number of people going out.