Department stores gear up for New Year’s sales

For anyone who missed the year-end holiday deals, major department stores will be holding New Year’s sales from Friday through Jan. 18.

Retailers often clear out their fall and winter inventory during New Year’s sales, so shoppers looking to stock up on warm clothes might want to check out the discounts.

Lotte Department Store will discount a wide range of products 10 to 30 percent off at all of its branches, but the biggest discounts will be found at the department store’s headquarters in Songong-dong, central Seoul.

At the Sogong-dong branch on Friday, 50 women’s fashion brands will have special promotions with sales up to 80 percent off. Customers looking for men’s clothes can save up to 70 percent at the Lotte in Jamsil where 13 men’s brands, including Tommy Hilfiger and Polo, will have sales.

“Last year, we had more inventory than in other years,” said a public relations official of Lotte Department Store. “So the range and number of products available will be more diverse than in previous years.”

Hyundai Department Store is also advertising sales of 10 to 30 percent off.

Shoppers can save up to 50 percent on furs, jewelry and household products during the sale, which is targeted at women in their 40s and 50s.

“Female shoppers in their 40s and 50s are one of the most powerful customer bases at department stores,” said a representative at Hyundai. “So, if we offer deals specifically tailored to them, they are often well received.”

Hyundai is also halving the price on 50 products recommended by employees at the store.

Shinsegae Department Store’s sale is focused on popular casual brands. Clothes from 20 labels such as Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and Hazzys will be reduced by 50 percent.

The Shinsegae in Gangnam is holding a fur sale, offering up to 60 percent off, from Friday through Tuesday. After that, outdoor clothes will be 40 to 60 percent off from Jan. 7 to 11 at the store.

The Gangnam branch will also have its regular annual sale for the lingerie brand Wacoal from Jan. 2 to 6.

Instead of discounts, Galleria Department Store will give gifts to customers who spend more than 50,000 won ($45) from Friday through Sunday.

BY PARK EUN-JEE, LEE SO-AH [ejpark@joongang.co.kr]