Domestic Largest Massage Shop 'The Foot Shop' Price Increase
Head Office "Due to Inflation and Labor Cost Rise... Unavoidable Measure"
Massage and Other 'Small Luxuries' Burdened by Economic Recession
The massage company 'The Foot Shop,' which has over 200 franchise stores nationwide, recently raised its prices.
[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] # Kim, a man in his 30s who regularly visits massage shops, recently stopped going. Kim said, "The economy is tough these days, and everyone is trying to save money, so going to a massage shop doesn't seem right." He added, "Massage prices are also rising, so I plan not to visit the shop for the time being."
According to the franchise industry on the 6th, 'The Foot Shop,' a massage company with about 200 franchise stores nationwide, recently raised its prices. The increase was about 10,000 KRW per hour on average, with a maximum increase of 20,000 KRW depending on the course. For the 'Foot Massage (60 minutes)' service, the member price rose from 39,000 KRW to 48,000 KRW, an increase of 9,000 KRW. The headquarters explained, "This was an unavoidable measure due to the continuous rise in prices and labor costs."
Previously, 'The Foot Shop' appeared on the YouTube channel 'Nego King,' which features temporarily discounted prices through price negotiations. On the 30th of last month, The Foot Shop appeared as the body care king on Nego King and is currently running a discount promotion. From June 30 to July 6, massages can be received at discounted prices. This also indicates that many office workers are getting massages.
However, due to the ongoing recession, small luxuries like massages, once considered a form of leisure, are now becoming a burden. People are giving up hobbies and leisure activities because of high prices.
Reactions from citizens are mixed. Some criticize why anyone would go to a massage shop during a recession like this. Park, a company employee in his 40s, said, "The economy isn't good, so isn't it okay to skip going to a massage shop for a while?" He added, "It seems that not only massages but various hobbies themselves are difficult these days."
On the other hand, some say they go for massages to relieve fatigue. Choi, a man in his 30s, said, "(I go for massages) occasionally while working," adding, "In a way, it can be seen as a small leisure activity, but honestly, it is a burden because of the recession."
Meanwhile, small business owners and self-employed people, feeling the burden of rising prices and labor costs like in the case of 'The Foot Shop,' are struggling with price increases. On the online cafe 'Apeunikka Sajangida' (Because It Hurts, I'm a Boss), a community for self-employed people on a portal site, posts expressing concerns about price hikes are being posted, such as "How will customers view the price increase?" and "Is it okay to raise prices given the current economic climate?" Another small business owner in his 40s said, "I don't even expect sales to rise," adding, "For now, I'm working with the mindset of 'just endure it.'"
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