1700 Products Showcased on 30 Distribution Platforms
Happy Department Store Holds Weekly Spring Special Sale
SME Products Displayed on 4th Floor 'Panpan Shop'
"I saw it said 'sale,' so I'm browsing some spring clothes."
On the 15th, an outdoor event venue for the 'Early ON Companion Festival' was set up in front of the main entrance of Happy Department Store in Mok-dong, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul. Promotional materials announcing the event were attached to the building walls and pillars, display stands, price boards, and right above the entrance door, catching the eyes of passersby. Although it was a weekday afternoon, footsteps continued at the women's clothing store placed at the front. Mrs. Im, a housewife in her 60s who stopped by with friends, said, "If you're going to buy it anyway, isn't it nicer to get it cheaply?" while trying on two jackets in front of a full-length mirror.
On the 15th, an outdoor event venue for the 'Early ON Together Festival' was set up in front of the main entrance of Happy Department Store in Mokdong, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul.
The Early ON Companion Festival, which started on the 1st, is an event organized by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups to stimulate consumption and revitalize the domestic market ahead of the 'Spring Light Companion Festival' scheduled for May. It runs until the 31st. The main concepts target the spring season, such as 'New Semester Preparation' and 'Spring Cleaning and Home Decoration.' Over 1,700 various small business products are showcased through 30 distribution platforms including 11st and Lotte ON, and live commerce is conducted with about 20 small business owners.
At Happy Department Store, operated by the Small and Medium Business Distribution Center, special spring discount exhibitions are held every week during the festival period. The third-week exhibition is titled 'Spring Outing Special: Men’s, Women’s, Children’s, and Leisure Sports Fashion Exhibition.' The fourth week is scheduled for the 'Golf & Outdoor Spring Warehouse Opening Sale.' Discount rates vary by product but clothing offers up to 80%, household goods up to 70%, and shoes up to 50%. Compared to regular discounts, an additional 10-20% is applied. There are also events offering gift certificates and free gifts with purchases over a certain amount.
On this day, the outdoor stands displayed women's clothing, designer brand bags and wallets, men's clothing, women's underwear, and shoes. Well-known brands were occasionally spotted. A Happy Department Store official explained, "Since customers tend to approach more when there are recognizable brands, we mix them in, but all the operators are small business owners."
Staff were busy explaining products at each store. An employee selling leather wallets focused on highlighting the product's excellence, saying, "They are made from Italian cowhide, which is sturdy and durable, and the color darkens attractively over time." Nearby, a voice was heard saying, "Cowhide shoes are soft and have anti-slip features, so they are good."
On the 15th, products from small and medium-sized enterprises participating in the 'Early ON Companion Festival' were displayed on the 4th floor of 'Panpan Shop' at Happy Department Store in Mokdong, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul.
Entering through the main entrance, the Early ON Companion Festival was also in full swing inside. Stores participating in the exhibition hung banners or wrote event phrases on price boards. The kitchenware event area was crowded with people picking up frying pans or bowls to check their weight or examining airtight containers.
On each floor, notice boards displayed QR codes for event information. Scanning these with a mobile phone led to online access where information about spring promotional events, special sales, and warehouse opening sales could be found. It was organized so visitors could easily see which floor and location the events were held, product prices, and event durations at a glance.
Discounted products were also available at the fourth-floor 'Panpan Shop.' Panpan Shop is a space that provides product exhibition, promotion, and sales opportunities to small and medium enterprises struggling to enter private large distribution networks. Products are selected based on design and originality, growth potential after entry, technology, price, and functionality. On this day, products from 480 companies were displayed, categorized into cosmetics, kitchenware, health functional foods, baby products, and pet supplies.
Meanwhile, this year's Companion Festival will be held three times in May, September, and December. To invigorate the local economy, plans include expanding cooperation with cultural, tourism, and promotional events, jointly holding opening ceremonies, and strengthening collaboration with local governments more than before.
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