"You will need to wait about an hour for a consultation. Customers who came in yesterday and left empty-handed are returning this morning for an 'open run' due to the high demand," said an employee at the Samsung Store on the 10th floor of Lotte Department Store in Songpa, Seoul, on June 20. Although it was less than an hour after the store opened, it was already bustling with shoppers.
All eight consultation tables were staffed, and those who couldn't find a seat were browsing nearby appliances while waiting for their turn. The scene resembled a line outside a popular restaurant, with more than seven groups waiting for consultations. A couple in their 30s, upon seeing the line, remarked, "We should do an open run tomorrow too," before leaving.
Signs announcing the 'Thank You Festival with the People' were displayed throughout the store. A 50-year-old homemaker, who completed her purchase that day, said, "I wanted to replace my dryer, which I bought nine years ago, but hesitated due to the cost. The significant discounts during this festival made it the perfect opportunity to buy both a dryer and a washing machine."
The atmosphere was similarly busy on weekdays. On June 22 at 5 p.m., the Samsung Store in Lotte Department Store was crowded with customers seeking consultations before the end of the workday. Inside, five groups were finalizing their purchases. A newlywed couple waiting for assistance expressed amazement at the picture quality of the new 100-inch Micro RGB TV.
Launched on June 8, the Samsung Thank You Festival is a promotional event aimed at sharing the company's recent successes in sectors like semiconductors with the public. Customers can receive 20% of their purchase amount back in digital gift certificates. Additionally, uniformed public service workers, including military, police, and firefighters, receive an extra 10%, totaling a 30% benefit. With additional promotions from the department store, the overall discounts for consumers are even greater.
A representative from the Samsung Store at Lotte Department Store noted, "Weekday contracts have increased by over 20% compared to before the promotion. We want to bolster staffing on weekends, but other stores are also busy, leading to a shortage of staff across the board."
According to Samsung Electronics, customers who purchase electronics and mobile devices during the festival will begin receiving their digital gift certificates starting June 24. The refunded certificates can be used like cash at various local markets, convenience stores, and other participating retailers nationwide.
Samsung Electronics stated, "We expect this promotional initiative to create a positive cycle where consumer benefits lead to revitalization of local economies. We will continue to seek various ways to grow alongside the community while giving back to the public's support."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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