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Wedded bliss makes retailers happy, too

Published: 04 Jan. 2015, 20:45

The year 2015 is considered an auspicious one for couples tying the knot, and retailers are gearing up to capitalize on it by launching sales and special events tailored for young couples.

2015 falls into the so-called Ssangchunnyeon category, or the year of double springs. The lunar calendar has two days heralding the coming of spring (Ipchon in Korean). As compared to years with a single Ipchon, many Koreans believe a double spring year will bring about more bounty and bliss to newlywed couples.

Considering the gifts that are given at Korean weddings, more wedding ceremonies translate into a boon for retailers.

Lotte Department Store will hold a wedding fair where diverse home decorations and furniture that suit young couples or two-person households will be offered by different furniture companies.

With the event, Lotte is specifically targeting Chinese couples who make their way to Korea for pre-wedding photo shoots or their honeymoon. The Chinese have the same lunar calendar.

The department store chain plans to give away tickets for a free photo shoot to Chinese couples purchasing a lot of products at the event, though the retailer did not reveal a specific amount.

Lotte will also issue VIP cards for Chinese couples who take wedding photos in Korea.

In the general new year sale that lasts until Jan. 18, it’s putting a focus on items that the family members of grooms and brides often buy for one another pre-wedding gifts. Among them are jewelry, mink coats and designer handbags.

The department store will discount fur products, including mink coats, by up to 70 percent at all of its branches. In addition, sets of dishes and other kitchen products will also go on sale with discounts of between 10 and 30 percen.

“A leap month was included last autumn, so many couple delayed their marriage,” said Park Jung-gu, head of the marketing division at Lotte Department Store.

Traditionally, a leap month or 13th month is believed to spell ill fortune for couples looking to get hitched.

Hyundai Department Store is in a full swing welcoming young couples seeking household items and wedding gifts.

Hyundai is offering 70 billion won ($63 million) worth of mink coats at up to 50 percent off. The fur promotion takes place at 13 branches until Jan. 18.

Participating brands include Jindo and Sungjin.

Hyundai will offer furniture made by Dauning and cookware from Silit and WMF at discounts of up to 50 percent.

Shinsegae is offerering a similar deal. In its promotion, products by Silit and Fissler will also be sold at 50 percent discounts.

Shinsegae will offer a discount of between 3 and 5 percent for newlywed couples who purchase a TV, washing machine and a refrigerator at the same time.

BY PARK EUN-JEE [[email protected]]