KREAM Data: Luxury Trades and Dupe Demand Rise in Jan 2026

Seoul, South Korea - KREAM, a South Korean platform for limited-edition goods, reported increased luxury transactions in January 2026 as several high-end fashion brands raised their prices.

Monthly data comparing December 2025 and January 2026 revealed two trends: accelerated purchases of brands increasing prices and a rise in trading of lower-priced alternatives, or "dupes."

The report said Hermès transactions rose 4% from the previous month after the brand raised prices early in the year.

Cartier also experienced increased activity, particularly for its entry-level models.

The "Tank Must Watch Small Quartz Steel Bracelet" recorded a 22% increase in transaction volume over the same period.

The data indicates a price gap between the platform’s secondary market and official retail channels.

Following Chanel's price increases last month, the "Chanel 22 Small Handbag" traded approximately 3% below its new retail price, with volume increasing 30%.

The "Chanel Boy Medium Flap Bag" recorded a fourfold increase in transaction volume, trading at roughly 18% below the updated retail price.

KREAM attributed these results to its inspection-based system and to consumer preference for prices below new retail benchmarks set by brands.

At the same time, the platform saw growth in the "dupe" segment, where consumers choose products that mimic luxury designs at lower prices.

The Casio "LTP-V007L-7B1," frequently cited for its similarity to Cartier designs, saw a 60% increase in transactions, reaching the top of KREAM’s trending watch list on Feb. 3.

The Seiko "SWR049P1" saw a 65% increase in transaction volume.

"The data shows a simultaneous expansion in both luxury trading and dupe consumption," a KREAM representative said, noting that consumer behavior is becoming increasingly segmented in response to the current pricing environment.