South Korea apparel distributors said on Tuesday that high-priced, trendy padded jackets are out of stock in contrast to the slow sales of mid- and low-priced jackets.

Several upscale brands such as Pyrenex, Moncler, Canada Goose and Moose Knuckles doubled their turnover from last year. These brands are positioned in the country as fashion trendsetters, while other low-priced makers missed on building their own edge.

Pricing is also a factor affecting sales. Expensive padded jackets are being snatched up by consumers, according to Shinsegae Department Store sales research.

The country’s leading department stores including Hyundai, Lotte, Shinsegae and Galleria are scrambling to secure higher inventories of high-priced, high-margin jackets.

Shinsegae said popular models of Moncler and Canada Goose were already sold out in September, and Moose Knuckles, a new brand, quadrupled its sales compared with its initial projection.

By Sung Jin-woo, Intern reporter
(jinwoo0120@hearldcorp.com)