"Spring Season Ahead" ... Retailers Hold Large-Scale Sales Events for Golf Wear and Equipment

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] As the full spring weather arrives and the golf season kicks off in earnest, retailers are competing to hold large-scale golf wear and golf equipment discount events.

According to industry sources on the 27th, despite the spread of COVID-19 last year, golf, an outdoor sport, steadily gained popularity, with the domestic golf population estimated to have reached about 5.15 million.

At Lotte Department Store, sales of golf product categories increased by 25% year-on-year in September and October last year, and Emart also saw golf equipment sales rise by more than 5% compared to the previous year, with a 23.6% increase year-on-year until February 21 this year. The distribution industry analyzes that demand has increased as overseas travel was blocked due to COVID-19, leading people to enjoy leisure activities such as golf and hiking, and golfers are investing extra money in replacing equipment such as clubs.

Accordingly, Lotte Department Store Jamsil Branch is holding the 'No.1 Golf Fair' event until the 28th, offering up to 80% discounts on golf wear and up to 10% on golf equipment. Jamsil Branch, which accounts for more than 10% of Lotte Department Store's golf product sales, secured inventory worth 5 billion KRW for this spring event.

Golf wear from overseas direct import brands such as Bogner, Black & White, and M.U Sports, as well as popular domestic brands like Superior, Ping, and Callaway, are being sold at 40-80% discounted prices. Popular golf shoes from Nike Golf and Adidas Golf are offered at up to 60% off. Popular golf products from TaylorMade, Callaway, and XXIO are discounted up to 10%, and premium golf equipment brand Majesty operates a separate booth to welcome customers.

At Lotte Department Store Main Branch, until the 1st of next month, customers who purchase 18 golf brands including J.Lindeberg and Mark & Lona for over 300,000 KRW will receive department store gift certificates worth about 10% of the purchase amount. At Yeongdeungpo Branch, from the 26th to the 28th, three brands including Superior, Renoma Golf, and Castelbajac are offered at 10% discounts, and at Lotte Outlet Gwangmyeong Branch's 3rd-floor event hall, Titleist's popular all-season products are sold at up to 60% off until March 3rd.

Emart and SSG.com are also holding the 'Spring Golf Grand Sale' until the 10th of next month, increasing the event inventory by about 20% compared to last year in the largest promotion of the year.

At 38 golf shops located in offline stores, customers who purchase golf clubs and golf equipment worth over 500,000 KRW with event cards will receive Shinsegae gift certificates worth about 10% of the purchase amount. For golf products sold on SSG.com that are delivered through Emart stores via SSG Delivery or courier delivery, a 10% payback in SSG Money is also being offered simultaneously.