New wave of discounts targets hungry homebound fitness enthusiasts

Models pose with food products on offer at Homeplus. [HOMEPLUS]

As people continue spending time at home under the extended Level 2.5 social distancing measures, retailers and food companies are offering promotions on home gym equipment, study materials and meal kits.

E-commerce platform CJMall has rolled out major promotions for people determined enough to accomplish their New Year's resolutions at home.

For those hoping to stay fit, Pilates and yoga equipment from brands like AeroPilates and Valansis are available on promotion, introduced in response to the recent popularity of workout videos at home. Yoga wheels and Pilates reformers are some of the products on offer.

For those determined to learn yet reluctant to attend a hagwon, or cram school, at the moment, online lessons on real estate by online lesson providers Parkmungak and Hackers are available. Those who pass the test after signing up for the class will be able to reclaim their tuition fee.

“As people are restricted from traveling abroad, interest in learning a foreign language has declined, while interest in investment has pushed up demand to study for the real estate agent test,” said Hong Seo-gu, a spokesperson for CJ ENM. “As people can’t work out at Pilates or yoga classes, demand to exercise using equipment at home has increased.”

The promotion is through Jan. 17.

Discount mart chain Homeplus is offering discounts on groceries and meal kits for those who find themselves cooking at home more frequently. The promotion runs from Jan. 7 through 13.

Pork belly is available at a 20 percent discount and cutlass fish from Jeju Island is on offer at 6,990 won ($6.40) per portion. Other types of fish like mackerel and sliced raw flatfish are also discounted. Customers can get 10 percent off if they purchase at least two home meal replacement products. Options include gamjatang (pork soup) and barbecued grilled back ribs.

Coupang is targeting customers with pets.

It is offering up to 65 percent off on dog and cat products including food and toys for members of its paid services.

Around 7,300 products are available in the promotion that will continue through Sunday.

“Interest in pet products has increased as people spend more time with pets at home,” said Yoon Hye-yeoung, a spokesperson for Coupang, in a statement, while vowing to offer a “reasonable price” on pet products in line with market growth.

Demand for products related to working at home has risen in recent months.

E-commerce platform WeMakePrice said sales of partitioned desks skyrocketed 648 percent on year last month, while sales of partitions jumped 173 percent during the same period.

BY JIN MIN-JI, LEE BYUNG-JUN [jin.minji@joongang.co.kr]