By Jane Han
Staff Reporter
Instead of tossing out old-school goods, smart local businesses are turning the outmoded into mod by adding a touch of today's technology. And once coupled with the right marketing, these modified gizmos take a direct aim at the global niche market.
One company that stands out among the bunch is electronic typewriter manufacturer Kedcom, which makes about 7 billion won a year on exports.
Although the fundamental idea of the machine is from the past _ the 1800s _ Kedcom modified its design and enhanced the user experience, becoming one of the world's leading typewriter makers, alongside U.S. maker Brother International.
The company's main export destination is the U.S. and its biggest consumers are those in their 40s or older, who aren't familiar with the latest programs.
``There are still many in the U.S., Europe and other developed countries that use typewriters to produce a formal letter,'' said a company spokeswoman, adding that the printer is also sold in countries without the widespread use of the Internet. ``In that sense, Southeast Asia has been a rising region of our interest.''
Another company that made a hit through minor modifications to the antique is the Lion Sewing Machine.
It enjoyed the benefits of the recent ``Do It Yourself (DIY)'' trend in Korea, in which a growing number of people are choosing to make things themselves, including clothes.
Amid the local needle machine market mostly crowded by overseas makers, Lion put out more user-friendly machines that now take up about 30 percent of the market share.
``Our products are safe, precise and easy to use with assured after-sales service and those factors help us sell about 8,000 machines a year,'' said company spokesman Kim Myeong-hwan, adding that anything from aprons, quilts, clothes to curtains can be made with the device. ``People have a fixed idea about sewing machines and perceptions that they are hard to use, but these latest updates help them get a new taste of the old.''
Also specifically geared toward women shoppers is beauty supply maker Recca's curling iron.
``Curling irons date back to the early days when ladies used to go to the beauty shop for a curling session,'' said a company spokeswoman.
Hair irons were traditionally heated on a briquette stove before beauticians either curled or straightened the hair.
``Our product has the same effects, but are more convenient and safe to use,'' she said, adding that the equipment is also popular in U.S. and the United Kingdom.
Another old-time item that goes way back are cassette tapes.
With the decline of cassette tapes, tape players have also diminished in the market and audio device manufacturer BTO benefited from this change.
The company's front product Plus Deck converts cassette tracks to MP3 files, allowing users to store songs and other old material in a digital file.
``Because cassette tapes have been used across the globe, we're seeing plenty of export destinations,'' said BTO CEO Kang Hong-koo, adding that the device is already selling in 30 countries.
Although new products are constantly cranked out in all industries through latest innovations, a growing number of small and medium-sized enterprises are enjoying strong sales and exports by taking a trip down memory lane.
``There are tons of smart products out there that base the main idea on a has been item,'' said Lee Hwa-jun of Cheil Communications. ``Their winning method is clever branding and fresh appeal.''