"Even 100,000-Won Items Are Just 5,000 Won Here": Word of Mouth Drives Sales to Triple

Daiso Sportswear Leads with Ultra-Low Prices and Value for Money
Sales Soar Up to Threefold, Prompting Tension in Sports and Fashion Industries

A Daiso store located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

"It's possible to get fully outfitted from head to toe for just over 10,000 won."

As running and other sports activities have become a regular part of daily life, sports equipment sales at Daiso, a household goods retailer, are rising rapidly. The overwhelmingly low prices compared to regular brands are spreading by word of mouth, leading to products selling out both online and offline immediately after launch. This enthusiastic response is seen as a result of consumer trends prioritizing value for money amid high inflation and an economic slowdown.

According to industry sources on May 26, Daiso's sportswear sales from January to April of this year increased by about 200% compared to the same period last year. Sales of personal sports accessories such as sports bands, armbands, and leisure towels also rose by approximately 40%.

The Running Craze Fuels the Rise of Ultra-Low-Priced Sportswear

This growth trend is closely linked to the popularity of running and the boom in everyday sports. As more people enjoy exercise as a daily hobby, demand for reasonably priced gear is surging. Additionally, products that combine functionality and affordability are gaining popularity through word of mouth, drawing more consumers.

Sportswear products sold at Daiso Mall. Screenshot from Daiso Mall.

In response, Daiso is actively expanding its sports goods lineup through brand collaborations to target market demand. Last month, Daiso made headlines by launching over 60 types of running apparel and accessories—including running vests, ball caps, socks, mesh short-sleeved t-shirts, lightweight shorts, and windbreakers—in collaboration with the sports brand HEAD. In particular, the running vest sparked a buying frenzy, selling out immediately after release and prompting more than 13,000 people to sign up for restock notifications on Daiso Mall.

"5,000 Won Instead of 100,000 Won"... The Price Drives the Hype

The core of this popularity is, of course, the price. Daiso's windbreaker and shorts are each around 5,000 won, the ball cap is 3,000 won, and socks are about 2,000 won. Even if you buy a full set—top and bottom, hat, socks, and sunglasses—it costs less than 20,000 won. Compared to general sports brands, where products range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of won, the price point allows consumers to "try it out" without hesitation.

The running vest, considered essential among runners, is sold for 5,000 won at Daiso, while similar products from other sports brands typically cost between 30,000 and 40,000 won, with some exceeding 100,000 won.

"Fully Outfitted for 20,000 Won"... SNS Flooded with Reviews

Consumer reactions are rapidly spreading on social networking services (SNS). Positive reviews continue, including: "It's as good as premium brands," "I tested Daiso's running sunglasses and the UV protection rate was about 99%," "The short-sleeved t-shirt is as cool as a marathon commemorative shirt," and "Despite the ultra-low price, the quality is no different from regular brands."

Industry observers believe that Daiso is expanding its influence by securing competitiveness in quality, moving beyond a simple 'low-cost image.' As the trend toward prioritizing satisfaction relative to price becomes more pronounced amid ongoing high inflation, this trend is expected to continue for the foreseeable future.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.