Weekend of the 2nd week of 'Donghaeng Sale' without mandatory closure... Large marts hold ultra-low price events

On the 26th, when the discount event "Korea Together Sale," planned to overcome consumption contraction and economic downturn caused by COVID-19, began, citizens were shopping at a large supermarket in Seoul. This Together Sale, involving all economic entities including traditional markets, neighborhood supermarkets, department stores, and large supermarkets, offers gift certificates and discount events, and will be held for 17 days until the 12th of next month. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Seungjin Lee] The "Korea Together Sale," planned to stimulate consumption that has shrunk due to the impact of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), has entered its second week. Large supermarkets are required to close on the first and third weekends during the sale period, so they are significantly increasing discount rates this weekend to attract consumers.

According to the industry on the 4th, Emart is holding a "Limited Deal," an ultra-low-price sales event. Limited Deal is an event where Emart, through prior planning with partner companies and reducing its own margins, sells about 10 selected products each month in limited quantities at ultra-low prices.

For the first products, 12 items including watermelon, eggs, onions, and anchovies have been carefully selected and introduced. Watermelon sales will be held for two days on the 4th and 5th, while prices for the other items will be maintained until stocks run out. Watermelons can be purchased for 7,000 won per whole watermelon regardless of weight or variety this weekend. Sales are limited to one watermelon per person, with a total of 150,000 watermelons sold across all stores.

Alchan eggs (30 large eggs) are limited to 160,000 packs and sold at the lowest price of the year, 2,780 won. During Emart’s regular events, they are sold at 3,980 won, and even during the twice-yearly special discount events, they are sold at 2,980 won. The "K-Star King Onion (2.5 kg)" is limited to 120,000 bags and offered at 1,980 won, about 50% cheaper than similar products, and 1 kg of anchovies for stir-frying is limited to 20,000 bags and priced at 15,980 won, about 50% cheaper than similar products.

Additionally, reflecting the July camping trend with increased outdoor activities and the health-conscious trend due to COVID-19, various food items and health functional foods will be offered in limited quantities at ultra-low prices.

Lotte Mart is holding a "Big Discount Festival" event for two days this weekend, offering popular products at up to 50% off. Fresh foods, processed foods, and daily necessities are sold at virtually "no margin" levels. Russian snow crab (100g) is sold for 2,980 won, and first-grade Korean beef bulgogi and soup cuts (each 100g) are offered to L.Point members at 3,420 won, a 40% discount from the regular price.

They also prepared a one-day event. On the 4th, "Seongju Chamoe (3-6 pieces per pack, domestic)" will be offered to L.Point members at 1,980 won, a 5,000 won discount from the regular price, and customers who purchase more than 15,000 won worth of all snack items will receive a 5,000 won gift certificate. On the 5th, "Muskmelon (1 whole, domestic)" will be offered to L.Point members at 3,980 won, a 3,000 won discount.

Homeplus is also conducting a "Big Deal Price" event. Big Deal Price is a label given only to products that are offered at prices difficult for competitors to match, through large-scale pre-contracts with excellent domestic and international partners. The 400 won per pack national ramen and national jajangmyeon are representative Big Deal Price products. Homeplus will continue the "Together Sale" until the 8th, providing reasonable shopping opportunities.