As schools set to reopen, big sales are being held

Lotte Department Store is holding a promotion for back-to-school related products until Mar. 4 for the beginning of the school year in March. [LOTTE SHOPPING]

With the possibility of schools reopening in March, parents are opening their wallets again to buy back-to-school supplies for their children, while the demand for toys is high amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Lotte Department Store said sales of products dedicated to children rose 58 percent on year in the Jan. 29 to Feb. 8 period since the Ministry of Education said on Jan. 29 that it is likely schools will reopen in March. For children’s products, the sales are usually highest in February and March when the school year begins, and in September and October. Yet, sales growth of over 50 percent is unprecedented.

Lotte is offering discounts on new releases for the spring season up to Mar. 4. North Face Kids is offering a 10-percent discount, while Hazzys Kids is offering a 30-percent discount. Mobile gift cards for up to 7.5-percent discount are given for purchases of fashion items, such as bags and clothes, costing more than 200,000 won ($181). On live-streaming platform 100 LIVE, Lotte will host a sale of up to 60 percent for clothes and bags from NBA Style on Thursday, and popular products from Jansport will be sold at a 44-percent discount on Friday.

Shinsegae Department Store’s sales of children’s products rose 6.3 percent on year for the period between Jan. 1 to Feb. 8.

“As the demand for back-to-school supplies is on the rise, the sales for related products are likely to continue to grow,” said a spokesperson for Shinsegae Department Store.

Shinsegae has been releasing new products, mostly clothes, both loungewear and outerwear. Playkiz Pro rolled out new outerwear, and Boon Jr., which is a kid’s version of fashion brand Boon the Shop, released a windbreaker and dress in partnership with eco-friendly brand Stella McCartney Kids.

From Thursday to Feb. 2, Emart is having a back-to-school sale offering up to 30-percent discounts on stationery items. Emart increased the quantity of furniture for home offices by 30 percent compared to the previous back-to-school promotions as the demand for the products is expected to increase.

During the upcoming promotion in Daejeon, desk sets from Deco-line will be sold at 30-percent off, and Emart-only models will be released, such as the Sidiz T40 Task Chair and LG Gram 17. As part of the promotions, Smiggle’s water bottles, bags and wallets will be sold at 20-percent discounts, and LocknLock’s products will be discounted up to 40 percent.

“The demand for school supplies will grow by a big margin as schools open and remote classes are conducted in parallel,” said Choi Hoon-hak, marketing director at Emart.

BY CHU IN-YOUNG [lee.jeeyoung1@joongang.co.kr]