For spring holidays, businesses get creative

Lee Jin-ho, an office worker with an 8-year-old son, on Monday visited a Lotteria to eat and pick up a “Ddobot” robot toy for 19,000 won ($17.57).

“I was worried about a Children’s Day present for my son,” said Lee, “but I’m happy I found something affordable and satisfying for my child.”

Such combined marketing has become robust in May, known as the month of family.

CJ Foodville’s VIPS restaurants are offering a limited edition stuffed Pikachu for 3,000 won to customers who spend 50,000 won or more using a Samsung card. VIPS also will give out scratch cards for prizes to diners who order the Tayo set, named after the cartoon bus.

Movie merchandise is popular, with Adidas and Fila releasing products with characters from “Avengers 2,” such as Iron Man, Hulk and Spider-Man.

Jewelry maker J.estina is selling Amico Pororo necklesses with a Pororo pendant. The child’s name and the parents’ phone number can be engraved on the back.

Uniqlo unveiled Kids Pocketmon room wear based on Pocket Monster.

The Grand Hyatt Seoul has a Sponge Bob package in which Sponge Bob pays a personal visit to the family’s room. In the lobby, kids can play with toys or watch a movie at a Sponge Bob house. “We made additional offers because it was fully booked ahead of Children’s Day,” said a Grand Hyatt employee.

The Westin Chosun hotel offers a Secret Jouju musical package.

BY LEE HYUN-TAEK [kim.hyunmin@joongang.co.kr]