Largest in Korea, Bigger Than a Soccer Field: Lotte Hi-Mart 'Mega Store' Opens

[Asia Economy Reporter Seungjin Lee] Lotte Hi-Mart will significantly expand its Jamsil branch in Songpa-gu, Seoul, and reopen it as the 'Mega Store Jamsil Branch' on the 9th. With a total area of 7,431m² (approximately 2,248 pyeong), it is the largest of its kind in Korea.

The Jamsil branch, which previously operated on only one floor, will be renewed as the Mega Store Jamsil Branch and expanded to two floors. This transformation will turn the space from a simple electronics purchasing location into a place where consumers can directly experience premium electronics and enjoy relaxation and cultural activities.

The first floor will focus more on 'fun,' differentiating itself from existing experiential stores. The first floor, where customers can experience digital and information technology (IT) appliances such as mobile devices and the Internet of Things (IoT), will feature an e-sports stadium, a one-person media zone, and a smart mobility experience area.

In collaboration with custom PC specialist Sysgear, a 231m² (approximately 70 pyeong) ‘e-sports arena’ has been created, where visitors can watch popular online game matches such as 'Battlegrounds' and 'League of Legends' up close. Large screens and digital signage displays (DID) have been installed to enhance the viewing experience. When no tournaments are held, the space will be used as a gaming PC experience center.

When no tournaments are held, the space will be used as a gaming PC experience center. Customers can build and purchase custom PCs by combining components such as graphics cards, high-performance CPUs, and memory according to price range and specifications. Additionally, a dedicated one-person media corner has been set up for consumers preparing and operating solo media. Equipment necessary for one-person media operation, such as microphones, cameras, and audio interfaces, can be directly handled and purchased in one place.

The ‘Makers Lab by Hi-Mart,’ an innovative product experience exhibition hall, will also be introduced for the first time. This exhibition space discovers excellent products from small and medium manufacturers and manufacturing startups and introduces and proposes them to customers visiting the store. Visitors can find 22 innovative products, including an automatic cat litter box that cleans cat waste automatically. Nine AI cameras installed within the booth collect data such as customer dwell time to measure product response.

In addition, customers can explore camping gear reflecting their hobbies, VR yacht experiences, premium brand audio systems, and Harley-Davidson bikes. Also, Korea’s first official Dyson premium service center will open, providing professional repair services for all Dyson products except those purchased through overseas direct imports.

The second floor is designed as a premium specialty hall for major domestic and international brands, as well as a kitchen and home appliance specialty hall. Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics’ large-scale brand halls will be present, showcasing premium appliances suitable for one-room apartments and officetels, including LG Electronics’ ‘Signature’ and ‘Objet’ lines, Samsung Electronics’ QLED TVs, and ‘Bespoke’ refrigerators.

At the 'High-Class Seminar Room,' various lecture contents utilizing home appliances will be offered. Plans include cooking classes using kitchen appliances such as air fryers, toasters, and ovens, as well as lectures on how to use new mobile products, catering to people of all ages and genders.

To celebrate the official opening of the Mega Store Jamsil Branch, Lotte Hi-Mart has prepared various events. Until the 13th, a prize event worth 10 million KRW will be held, offering prizes such as 1 million KRW Lotte gift certificates and two Lotte World admission tickets through a lottery. Additionally, until the 20th, an event for engaged couples will be held, where they can create videos sending love messages to each other.

Lee Dong-woo, CEO of Lotte Hi-Mart, said, “We have strived to embody the image of a ‘Home and Lifestyle Retailer’ that Lotte Hi-Mart aims for,” adding, “Going forward, Lotte Hi-Mart will continue to establish itself as a company that offers enjoyable experiences and proposes diverse lifestyles to our customers.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.