Pandemic practices change May holiday celebrations

Retro snack bags from Crown Confectionery have been introduced in time for Children¡¯s Day on May 5. [CROWN CONFECTIONERY]

Even as the coronavirus pandemic subsides in Korea, families are looking for new ways to spend their May holidays. Out of abundance of caution, they’re planning to stay home and spend less on celebrating Children’s Day on May 5 and Parents’ Day on May 8.

E-commerce operators are taking note of the shift in plans and have rolled out bigger promotions. They are seeking to profit from the increased tendency to stay at home. Offline retailers are still holding big blowouts, but with muted expectations.

A survey conducted by job portals JobKorea and Albamon shows 64.9 percent of the survey participants said the coronavirus has changed their plans on how to spend time with their families during the holidays in May, with 54.5 percent saying they have decided not to gather in groups until the pandemic settles.

A total of 2,593 office workers were surveyed from April 14 through April 23.

They said they’re planning to spend 460,000 won ($410) to celebrate the family holidays this year, compared to 540,000 won last year.

Lotte Shopping rolled out gift packages, largely centering on cosmetic products, the retailer announced Sunday.

Yves Saint Laurent lipsticks, skin essences from Sulwhasoo and Diptyque perfumes are some of the promotional offerings. Its Jamsil branch in southern Seoul will offer up to 80 percent discounts on children’s shoes from May 1 through May 5.

“On-year sales at the department store has declined around 20 percent in March,” said Moon Ho-ik, a spokesperson for Lotte Shopping. “Due to the coronavirus, our expectation toward the success of the promotion ahead of family holidays isn’t as high as it usually is.”

Lotte Shopping is betting on online shoppers.

The retailer will provide concert tickets featuring the stars of TV Chosun’s “Mr. Trot” audition show to people who purchase from its online app. A total of 400 people will be given two tickets each for the concert, which is scheduled to take place on May 30.

“Mr. Trot” is an audition show that has attracted a huge viewership.

Emart is offering discounts on items that gained popularity as a result of the pandemic.

It is providing 20 percent discounts on Legos and board games through Children’s Day on May 5. Board game sales increased 40.4 percent on year from April 1 through April 23.

From May 1 through May 3, Emart is offering up to 30 percent discounts on electronic devices, including wireless earphones, laptops and refrigerators.

SSG.com is expanding promotions on so-called untact service next week. Untact means goods or services that don’t require close contact between counterparties.

“SSG.com provides an untact gift service that enables a user to give a present just by putting in the receiver’s mobile number,” said Kim Ha-eun, a spokesperson for the company. “SSG.com plans to expand the promotions offered from the untact gift service in consideration of the increased tendency to purchase online.”

Around 10 million items can be delivered through SSG.com’s gift service.

CJ Foodville introduced cakes featuring popular characters, like the Hello Carbot transforming robot car toys. Cakes featuring Disney’s Minnie Mouse and Elsa are scheduled to be introduced on April 30.

Capturing opportunity on the increased demand for snacks from people staying home, Crown Confectionery launched snacks packaged inside a retro school bag and a bag featuring Pikachu from Pokemon.

“People are spending more time with family,” said a spokesperson for Crown Confectionery.

BY JIN MIN-JI [jin.minji@joongang.co.kr]