SOUTH KOREA. Lotte Duty Free today announced the launch of LUXEMALL, an online store dedicated to selling excess duty free goods to local non-travelling customers.
Since April, Korea Customs Service has allowed COVID-hit duty free retailers to sell off undepleted stock through domestic channels, part of a wider package of relief measures.
The local programme was set to expire on 29 October but was extended until further notice late last month. Retailers can also sell undepleted stock overseas until year end.
Until now, Lotte Duty Free has been selling the inventory through ecommerce portal Lotte On, and branches of Lotte Department Store and Lotte Outlet.
However, only limited numbers of people could shop in-store due to COVID-19 restrictions. Even in the case of online sales, purchasing was restricted to set periods, which caused consumer inconvenience, Lotte Duty Free said.
The new LUXEMALL can be accessed from both PC and mobile to overcome previous restrictions, the retailer pointed out. “The plan is to accelerate the increase in sales to Koreans as well as depleting duty free inventory by allowing more customers to purchase duty free goods online anytime, anywhere,” Lotte Duty Free commented.
The largest domestic sale of duty free goods
LUXEMALL will offer 2,000 separate SKUs from 40 renowned international brands such as Salvatore Ferragamo, Valentino, Tory Burch, and Balenciaga.
The programme is the retailer’s largest yet in terms of domestic sales of duty free goods. As a result of the recent Korea Customs Service extension, Lotte Duty Free plans to continue updating the product offer in the future.
Premium delivery service, simple payment system – and even a grand opening ceremony
A premium home delivery service called ‘Valex’ is offered to those customers spending KRW3 million (US$2,715) or more at LUXEMALL. Under the programme, high-value goods are directly transported by security personnel, not general delivery drivers, using special vehicles equipped with safes, CCTVs, and alarms, Lotte Duty Free said.
Payment can be made via a range of methods including PAYCO and Naver Pay.
LUXEMALL’s grand opening will feature a range of prizes, promotions and discounts, including gifts for the highest-spending customers. Spring/summer 2020 fashion items will be available with heavy discounts while a ‘Guerilla Time Special Sale’ will see products offered at up to -90% reductions on the original retail price.
A Lotte Duty Free spokesman said, “By opening our own online mall for the sale of duty free goods through domestic customs clearance, we have been able to prepare the largest quantity of goods ever. We will provide various additional various benefits and events to provide a luxurious shopping experience at LUXEMALL.”
