"Buy by the box"… Japan has Don Quijote, Korea has Daiso

Daiso has become a must-visit destination for winter tourists, leading to a continuous increase in foreign sales. With affordable prices, a wide variety of products, and the global popularity of K-beauty, Daiso located in major commercial districts such as Myeongdong and Hongdae has become a 'shopping paradise' for foreign tourists. Like Don Quijote in Japan, it is gaining recognition as a 'hot place' among foreign visitors.

Foreign sales at Daiso have increased explosively over the past 2-3 years. In 2022, the total overseas card payment amount at all Daiso stores increased by 300% compared to the previous year, and in 2023, it recorded a high growth rate of 130%. Last year, overseas card payment amounts and the number of transactions increased by 50% and 42%, respectively.

The growth of the Myeongdong and Hongdae commercial districts, which are popular among foreign tourists, is becoming more prominent. The Daiso Myeongdong Station branch saw a 60% increase in overseas card payment transactions and a 74% increase in payment amounts in 2024, while the Myeongdong main store also grew by 50% and 60%, respectively. The Hongdae Entrance branch experienced a 45% increase in payment transactions and a 52% increase in payment amounts, and the Hongdae Branch 2 also saw increases of 29% and 41%, respectively.

 

The most frequently sought-after items by foreigners at Daiso are undoubtedly cosmetics. Analyzing the overseas card payment amounts at Myeongdong and Hongdae Branch 2, cosmetics ranked first in sales at both locations. Following that are souvenir foods and beverages such as herbal medicine, leisure and hobbies, and stationery and gift items.

Daiso cosmetics sales have increased by 144% in the past year. Major beauty companies such as Amorepacific and LG Household & Health Care have also contributed to Daiso's improved performance by launching exclusive lines for Daiso, further boosting the popularity of K-beauty.

It has been reported that the one-time purchase amount per foreign tourist is three times higher than that of domestic residents. They tend to buy large quantities of cosmetics, snacks, and stationery items in box units at a time.

A Daiso official stated, "As the influx of foreign tourists steadily increases, foreign sales at major commercial districts such as Myeongdong and Hongdae are becoming a key factor in overall sales growth," and added, "We will continue to strengthen our position as a global shopping destination by offering a diverse range of products and a differentiated store experience."

The industry expects Daiso's sales to foreigners to continue steadily increasing as the travel industry trends change, with an increase in individual travelers and the influx of tourists from various nationalities.

 

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Daiso has become a must-visit spot on the tourist course for foreigners~

 

They say they are going to buy it in a box.

 

Daiso is said to have an average purchase price that is three times higher than that of the average Korean.

 

It also plays a significant indirect role in the tourism industry.