Growing Needs for the 'Joy of Choosing' Puts Catalog Gifts at the Top, Rice Also Performs Well: Spring Purchasing Trends of Fukushima Local Products EC 'Fukushima Ichiba'

'Fukushima Ichiba', one of the largest online stores for Fukushima local products handling about 850 products from 260 businesses within the prefecture, operated by Space One Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture; President: Yasuhiro Kobayashi), has compiled and announced the purchasing trends based on March 2026 purchasing data, including the 'March Popular Product Ranking' and comparisons with the previous month. ■ Purchasing Trends March is a time when demand for gifts and lifestyle-related items increases due to graduations, retirements, and preparations for new life. Against this backdrop, an expansion in purchases was seen for both gift purposes and daily consumption. Among them, the demand for catalog gifts, which offer the 'joy of choosing', expanded. Supported by the fact that recipients can choose according to their preferences, a trend was seen where they were primarily chosen for gifting scenes such as farewells and return gifts. In fact, the order volume for catalog gifts grew significantly by +52.4% compared to the previous month, reflecting the rising demand for gifts. In addition, products combining 'practicality and a special feel', such as brand rice and tasting sets, were also popular. The 'Fukushima Premium Rice Tasting 'One Box'' saw a significant increase in orders within a month of its sales launch. This is seen as a result of the overlap between the launch of a new product and seasonal demand. Furthermore, 'Aizu Koshihikari' also performed steadily at +32.4% compared to the previous month, indicating a spread of demand in preparation for new life. ■ March Popular Product Ranking <1st Place> Choice Catalog Gift The choice catalog gift is a catalog gift offering a selection of Fukushima's finest delicacies, including seasonal fruits and meat. You can choose from 3 courses depending on your needs and budget. Price: 4,180 yen (tax and shipping included) / 5,500 yen (tax and shipping included) / 11,000 yen (tax and shipping included) Fukushima Ichiba: [Link]