|
Amid economic slowdown, consumption is decreasing in most sectors, with the exception of the pet industry. While consumers are generally tightening their purse strings, they are actually spending more on products for their pets.
According to GS-Mart, last November's sales of pet products increased 7.8 percent compared to the previous year, recording a 6.2 percent increase from January through October 2008. An increasing number of young women raise pet cats, making feline-related products more popular than canine-related goods.
The same trend is being seen in similar outlets. Sales of pet products in E-Mart increased by 8.1 percent in September and 19.3 percent in November last year. In Lotte Mart, sales of dog and cat products grew 8 percent and 45 percent respectively from January through September last year.
Experts say that the growing sales are related to an increase in the number of single households and elderly single households. Just as parents do not reduce spending on their children, those who live alone are continuing to open their purses for their pets.
(englishnews@chosun.com )
|
