Canny consumers take bet each way, rain or shine
/ Yonhap
By Rachel Lee
The rainy season may have started, but there is still plenty of sunshine around.
For this reason, consumers are opting for umbrellas that double as sunshades.
According to retailer Auction, sales of multirole umbrellas went up 53 percent last week on the same time last year. Small folding umbrellas are the most popular.
"The weather has been unpredictable since May, which changed the consumption trend," a company spokesperson said.
Consumers are making similar decisions when buying electrical goods.
Sales of multirole air-conditioners that work as dehumidifiers and air purifiers were up 93 percent during the period, the company said. Those of dehumidifiers were down 29 percent.