With the mercury rising,... consumers are shopping for various goods to help them cool off,... and number of local firms are rolling out innovative products... to cater to their needs.<br />Our Ko Roon-hee tells us more.<br /><br />Temperatures recently have been higher than the same period last year,... causing consumers to open their wallets to try and get some relief from the heat. <br /><br /><br />"Emart, one of the largest retailers in Korea, has seen higher sales of its summer-related products so far this year."<br /><br />During the first 16 days of May, sales of air conditioners jumped by more than 60-percent.<br />And the figures also increased for watermelons and ice cream. <br /><br /><br />"It's getting hot so I came here to buy a watermelon for my family. It's good to see some promotions going on."<br /><br /><br />"A lot of customers are buying air conditioners these days. I think its because they are purchasing the products in advance before it gets too hot like last summer."<br /><br />Some new products have hit the market that claim to help consumers beat the heat...<br />One brand that makes sports garments came up with a special fabric... that provides a cool feeling when it comes into contact with moisture such as sweat.<br />Their new products include stylish polo shirts and mesh jeans.<br />A manager at this company shared their marketing plans for the future. <br /><br /><br />"We are planning to hold events so we can meet potential customers face-to-face. Also, we plan to work with YouTube creators involved in outdoor activities...so they can share their positive experiences after wearing our clothes."<br /><br />Major ramen companies have also introduced new cold and spicy noodles with seaweed.<br />This not only adds chewiness to the noodles...but satisfies people wanting to add some kind of healthy elements to their snack. <br />And many YouTubers that review food in Korea are helping consumers in terms of narrowing down the various choices. <br /><br /><br />"I try to explain the taste of the sauce or the quality of the noodles in detail. Because I also touch on the spiciness of the products, viewers can choose the products they want accordingly." <br /><br />Experts say, the hot weather has both positive and negative effects on the economy... It can boost consumption but if the scorching heat continues for a long time, it can decrease overall labor productivity.<br />Ko Roon-hee, Arirang News. <br />
