SOUTH KOREA. Lotte Duty Free is promoting its best-selling products across key categories as summer travel peaks and the retailer’s seasonal shopping campaign gains momentum.
Citing data from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s Air Information Portal System, the retailer noted Japan, Mainland China, Vietnam, the US and Taiwan as the top destinations for Korean travellers in June.
Reflecting purchasing trends among Korean travellers, Lotte Duty Free identified Japan, Vietnam, China, US and Thailand as the leading destinations by duty-free purchase volume for the same month.
The company’s footprint reflects these key travel trends, with Lotte Duty Free currently operating ten stores across five markets, including Japan, Vietnam and Guam.
Lotte Duty Free’s June customer data reveals that online channels accounted for 60% of purchases by Korean customers, compared to 40% through physical stores. This trend highlights the continued strength of the company’s online channel, driven by accessibility and competitive pricing.
Across product categories, cosmetics and perfumes recorded the highest share of sales at 39%, followed by fashion, leathergoods and eyewear at 28%. Jewellery and watches accounted for 12%, liquor and tobacco for 8%, with the remaining 13% spread across food, electronics and other categories.
A closer look at category performance reveals that traditional duty-free best-sellers continued to lead by revenue, while affordable K-beauty products drove high-volume sales.
By revenue, the leading products were Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum, Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum and Jo Malone London Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne.
Volume sales were led by Kim Jeong Moon Aloe Real Aloe Phyto Green Ampoule Mask, followed by Prreti Perfect Clean Daily Cleansing Tissues and Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream.
Top fashion items by revenue included Prada nylon bags, Helen Kaminski hats and Tom Ford sunglasses. By volume, the most popular products were Branden Safe Crossbody Bag, Marun5 Breeze Modal Crop Cami and Tech Skin UV Protection Skin Arm Sleeves.
Prestige whisky brands topped liquor sales by revenue, with Johnnie Walker Blue Label, Ballantine’s 30 Year Old and Royal Salute 21 Year Signature Blend leading the category.
By volume, the top three were Dassai 23 Wood Case (an ultra-premium Japanese Sake), Johnnie Walker Blue Label and China’s Yanghe Mengzhilan M6 Plus. Lotte Duty Free attributed the strong performance of the liquor category to a high demand for premium gift purchases.
Among accessories and travel items, the top seller was Dewbell Travel Anti-Limescale Filter Set, followed by Bodyluv Puresome Pure Refill Filter Pro for Travel and Slowlab Good Sleep Eye Warmer.
Best-selling electronic items were the Dyson Airwrap, followed by Lumena portable wireless fan and Pulio calf massager.
The food segment saw high sales of Orthomol Immun and Jung Kwan Jang Everytime Royal, fuelled by growing health awareness, while Jongga Kimchi ranked third.
Accessories, electronics and food categories were also among the highest revenue earners, reflecting strong consumer demand.
Among its featured offerings, Lotte Duty Free is promoting a selection of inflight-friendly items from skincare to travel accessories, including Elleybear hand sanitising wipes, Cloveden vegan mouthwash, Crystal Cloud travel phone holder, Dermall Matrix masks and Kodak Carrier travel kit.
As reported, Lotte Duty Free has rolled out an ambitious promotional campaign across its downtown retail and online stores to drive consumer spending during the peak travel season.
Running through 31 August, customers shopping for fashion, watches and jewellery at Lotte Duty Free’s Myeong-dong flagship and World Tower stores in Seoul, and at the Busan and Jeju shops will receive up to KRW1.51 million (US$1,084) in LDF PAY for qualifying purchases.
For weekend purchases (Friday-Sunday), the retailer is offering up to KRW1.69 million (US$1,214) in LDF PAY by doubling rewards based on payment method.
Until 17 August, the Super Sale is offering savings of up to -80% on select items from brands such as Longchamp, Coach and Swarovski.
Complimentary gifts are available with qualifying purchases of Korean cosmetics and selected food brands.
Discounts of up to -70% are also available on Lotte Duty Free’s online platform, covering 30 brands such as Lancôme, Jill Stuart, Penhaligon’s, Maison Kitsuné, Ami and Blackmores.
The campaign also includes a Weekend Time Sale, offering up to -60% off selected brands every Friday through Sunday during the promotional period.
In addition, online shopping benefits feature discounts of up to KRW20,000 (US$14) for KakaoPay users, plus exclusive coupons for university and graduate students ahead of the summer holidays.
Shoppers who spend more than US$300 at downtown stores by 31 August can enter a lucky draw to become one of three winners of round-trip tickets for two to Tokyo, along with discount coupons for Lotte Duty Free’s Ginza store.
Three winners will each receive two round-trip tickets and special shopping benefits.
The company has also collaborated with KakaoPay to roll out the Kakao Overseas Travel All-Pass prize event. Customers who spend over KRW50,000 (US$36) are eligible to enter for a chance to win a two-night stay at The Middle House Studio 60 in Shanghai.
Three additional winners will receive a two-night stay in a one-bedroom residence at 137 Pillars Bangkok.
A Lotte Duty Free spokesperson said, “We’re offering a wide range of popular and unique duty-free items along with various promotions for Korean customers preparing for summer holidays abroad. Lotte Duty Free will continue to offer differentiated marketing that delivers tangible benefits for our customers.” ✈
