How tidying icon Marie Kondo is monetizing her KOL status
Marie Kondo, the Japanese tidying celebrity, has opened her own online homeware store, prompting a buzz on social media.
Kondo rose to international fame by encouraging people to get rid of unnecessary things. Her book "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up" has sold more than 5 million copies worldwide.
The tidying guru was ranked as one of the world’s 100 most influential people by Time magazine in 2015.
Some minimalists strongly call for people to declutter things and some even go to the extreme of allowing themselves just a few outfits and items absolutely necessary, leaving their homes almost empty.
Unlike those tidying experts who focus excessively on what things we should get rid of, Kondo encourages people to focus on keeping things that can really bring joy and discard those that cannot.
Her approach on organizing is apparently more pragmatic for most people, and that perhaps explains why she became so popular.
For example, she advises people to keep sentimental items, or things that can bring back good memories, even if the items may not be of much practical use.
Having done books and a series of TV shows, launching a shop is perhaps a natural extension if Kondo wants to keep monetizing her KOL (key opinion leader) status.
Her online homeware store offers table top and kitchen gadgets, bathroom stuff, scented oil, tidying and organizing stuff, decor and books.
Most items on offer are quite costly. For instance, a cheese knife priced at US$156 and a pair of indoor slippers at US$206. Even a duster asks for US$35.
With a strong Japanese touch, the online store appears to target the upscale markets in Western countries, not least those who like oriental culture.
This article appeared in the Hong Kong Economic Journal on Nov 20
Translation by Julie Zhu
– Contact us at [email protected]
RC
-
How HK increases competitiveness on path towards normalcy Dr. Winnie Tang
Hong Kong is gradually on road to normalcy from the Covid-19 pandemic but it is difficult for the economy to regain momentum. At a time when people are uncertain about the prospects, the opinion of
-
Counsel of choice Neville Sarony
One critically important element in Hong Kong’s Basic Law is expressed in Article 12 (1) ‘that any person under investigation for the commission of an offence shall have the right to…have competent
-
How much will Hong Kong property rebound this year? Ben Kwok
Call it the little blossoming spring, as the local saying goes. From Sun Hung Kai Properties to its rivals to agents such as Centaline, all honchos would say the property market would go up between
-
Is 2023 a year of expensive travel? Ben Kwok
How much are you willing to pay for your first trip in three years? Well, depending on who and when, it could be quite costly for Hong Kong travellers. Travellers who want to go outside Hong Kong
-
Environmental performance of old buildings needs to be improved Dr. Winnie Tang
At least 500 new buildings are constructed in Hong Kong every year which generates substantial carbon emissions. The construction industry must urgently look for more environmentally friendly
