Retailers slash Halloween marketing as nation commemorates tragedy

The Itaewon tragedy marks its first-year anniversary next week. The deadly crowd crush took place in this alley in Itaewon last year on Oct. 29. Picture taken on Aug. 8. [JOONGANG ILBO]

Halloween-related marketing, promotions and events will not be held in light of the upcoming anniversary on Oct. 29 of last year's tragic Halloween crowd crush in Seoul's Itaewon nightlife district that took 159 lives.

Instead, large retailers such as Lotte and Shinsaegae will roll out big back-to-back sales events in November.

In practice, this will mean promotions or marketing will not be held for Halloween by department stores, supermarkets and convenience stores, unlike in previous years when stores would adorn themselves with Halloween decorations and offer holiday discounts.

“Stores will quietly display a sharply reduced amount of Halloween-related goods, and related events will not be held,” said a source from a major retailer.

Daiso, a dollar-shop chain, has reduced its Halloween merchandise by 40 percent compared to last year. Convenience stores will instead focus on preparations for Pepero Day, which falls on Nov. 11.

Businesses in all industries are marking last year’s tragedy.

Amusement parks, including Everland and Lotte World, will not hold Halloween festivals this year. Hotel packages and limited edition merchandise for Halloween are also hard to find.

Sales events are instead expected to be focused in November, with Lotte and Shinsaegae leading the way.

Though November was previously considered an offseason between Chuseok and Christmas, two of Korea’s most significant holidays, retailers have recently started to offer a variety of discount events, leading to competition.

BY KIM JU-YEON [kim.juyeon2@joongang.co.kr]