Travel
Shinsegae and Lotte to open suburban outlets on Korea’s Chuseok for the first time
haps magazine korea
September 3, 2024
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This year, for the first time since their openings, Shinsegae and Lotte will keep their suburban outlet stores open on Chuseok.
Since launching their first outlets in 2007 and 2008, respectively, both retail giants have traditionally closed on the holiday.
Shinsegae announced that all of its premium outlets, including those in Busan, Yeoju, Paju, Siheung, and Jeju, will be open from noon to 9 p.m. on Chuseok, September 17th.
Lotte also confirmed that its premium outlets in Dongbu Busan, Gimhae, Uiwang, Giheung, Icheon, Paju, Buyeo, and Isiapolis will operate during the same hours. The decision to open was left to individual brands within these outlets, with 80-90% of stores expected to participate.
The decision reflects shifting holiday trends, with more people opting for leisure activities instead of returning to their hometowns during Chuseok.
Lotte noted that the decision was driven by the expectation of increased customer traffic to suburban areas during the fall outing season. Additionally, both companies are responding to sluggish sales at suburban outlets, impacted by this summer’s record-breaking heatwave.
The timing coincides with Shinsegae Simon Busan Premium Outlet’s grand reopening on September 12th, following a major expansion.
The outlet now boasts a 51,480㎡ sales area — 1.5 times larger than before —and has added around 100 new brands, bringing the total to approximately 270, on par with outlets in the metropolitan area.
Lotte Premium Outlet Dongbusan Branch, celebrating its 10th anniversary, has undergone significant remodeling, transforming its outdoor area into a relaxation-focused space with a large mirror pond-style stage and garden.
The branch, the largest outlet in the country, is holding a grand opening event to mark the occasion.