SOUTH KOREA. Lotte Duty Free has introduced ‘LDF Mileage’, a service aimed at enhancing membership benefits and loyalty among its Korean customer base. It is a first for the Korean duty free industry, said the retailer.
From 1 January, ‘LDF Mileage’ allows loyalty programme members to accumulate mileage according to their purchase amounts as well as offering free gifts for reaching certain tiers.
For each US$1 worth of payment, one mile is added to the customer’s account, excluding amounts paid for schemes such as digital payment system LDF Pay.
There are four mileage levels: 10,000, 50,000, 100,000 and 200,000. When customers reach the threshold for each stage, they can receive one of several benefits, including travel-themed free gifts (from partners such as Rimowa and LG), LDF PAY, hotel nights and vouchers for overseas travel.
When they reach the final stage, they will also be granted ‘Honor Club’ status, which provides the customer with lifetime Express and Star Lounge benefits.
In addition, Lotte Duty Free has expanded the benefits provided to its top VIP members. Until now, LVIP and LVVIP members were rewarded with LDF Pay benefits. From 1 January, they will be able to choose a gift of their choice that includes LDF Pay, a gift certificate from travel platform Klook, an airport lounge voucher, a Lotte World Adventure voucher or other benefits.
Lotte Duty Free CEO Kim Ju Nam said: “It is very meaningful to introduce the LDF Mileage system to celebrate the new year. Lotte Duty Free will carry out various marketing activities to provide better benefits and services to customers in 2024.”
Lotte Duty Free has also developed promotions and prize draws to welcome the new year. Until 3 March, customers can receive up to KRW1.24 million (US$950) in LDF Pay depending on the amount purchased.
Customers living outside the Seoul, Gyeonggi or Incheon areas who make a purchase of US$1,000 or more at a downtown Seoul store will receive an additional KRW100,000 in LDF Pay. In addition, customers who make a purchase of US$150 or more at downtown stores by 31 January can receive a Blue Dragon gold dollar coin via a draw. ✈
