SOUTH KOREA. Lotte Duty Free has boosted its fine spirits offer at Incheon International Airport with the exclusive Korean launch of Glenfiddich Grand Yozakura 29 Year Old.
As reported, brand owner William Grant & Sons launched the limited-edition single malt whisky into selected Asian and European airport locations last month, supported by a series of experiential activations.
Lotte Duty Free said it expects whisky to continue its rising popularity this year, with liquor sales in the first quarter increasing by about +87% year-on-year. Sales of single malt whiskies also surged by +87% in the same period.
The retailer said it has been driving that success through offering limited-edition products allied to regular discounts of 20-30% on popular lines.
Aged at the Glenfiddich Distillery in Dufftown, Scotland, Grand Yozakura is finished in oak casks that previously matured Awamori – the oldest distilled alcoholic spirit in Japan. It is the first Scotch whisky finished in rare Awamori casks from Okinawa.
Yozakura means “cherry blossom viewing at night” in Japanese. It is characterised by rich flavour notes, ranging from floral and fruity.
With only limited stocks available, Lotte Duty Free is offering this rare expression on a first-come, first-served basis at Incheon International Airport.
In addition, Lotte Duty Free is offering discounts for key spirits lines at its Seoul Myeongdong Main Store and World Tower store. Popular whiskies such as Ballantine’s 21 Year Old and Johnnie Walker Blue are available at a -20% discount for one bottle, and -30% off for two bottles or more. The promotion runs until 31 May.
Lotte Duty Free Head of Product Division Lee Jung-min said: “In the case of alcoholic beverages, the number of customers is steadily increasing because the price competitiveness of duty free shops is excellent compared to local [markets].
“Lotte Duty Free will introduce a variety of alcoholic beverages to customers, including single malt whisky, which is in high demand worldwide, based on its stable product sourcing capabilities.”
The travel retailer has also launched various promotional campaigns featuring shopping discounts to attract both domestic and foreign travellers, in response to the rising demand for overseas travel.
As reported, it has rolled out the ‘Awakening Spring’ campaign which will run until the end of April. It offers discounts of up -80% on popular fashion brands including Stuart Weitzman and Bally. Shoppers at its downtown outlet also get the chance to win up to KRW3.2 million worth of LDF Pay coupons, which can be used like cash at Lotte Duty Free stores, depending on the purchase amount.
In addition, South Korea’s top idols and artists will gather during the Lotte Duty Free Family Concert from 16 to 18 June. To avail of tickets to this concert, shoppers are required to purchase more than US$300/US$500/US$900 at Lotte Duty Free airport, downtown or online stores. ✈
