Wails in the Distribution Sector... Emergency at Duty-Free Shops, Department Stores, Shopping Malls, and Water Parks (Comprehensive)

Starfield Goyang and Hanam Branches Temporarily Postpone Cultural Performances for February
Starfield Hanam Branch Aquafield Closed from February 4 to 28

Starfield Hanam Store Exterior View

[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] As fear of the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia) spreads, not only duty-free shops but also department stores and suburban shopping malls are facing disruptions in their operations. They have shortened operating hours by at least two hours or are even considering emergency closures. Water parks, where people can enjoy water activities, have decided to close for an entire month.

According to the distribution industry on the 4th, Starfield Goyang and Hanam, comprehensive shopping malls operated by Shinsegae Property, have decided to temporarily postpone cultural performance events for the entire month of February. The water parks where winter water play is possible will also be closed. Starfield Hanam will suspend Aqua Field operations from today until the 28th. However, the jjimjil spa will operate normally.

In the duty-free industry, with the decrease in tourists, they have independently started shortened business hours at downtown duty-free shops to minimize the damage caused by the spread of the novel coronavirus. Hyundai Department Store Duty Free Trade Center branch will shorten its operating hours by three hours starting from the 5th. The closing time will change from the previous 9:00 AM?8:30 PM to 9:30 AM?6:00 PM.

Hyundai Department Store Trade Center Branch

Lotte, Shinsegae, and Shilla I'Park Duty Free Shops have been operating on reduced hours since the 4th. Lotte Duty Free Myeongdong Main Store, World Tower branch, COEX branch, and Busan branch have shortened their operating hours by about 2 to 2.5 hours, from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM. Shinsegae Duty Free Shops at Gangnam, Myeongdong, and Busan have also reduced hours by 2.5 hours, operating from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM. HDC Shilla Duty Free's Shilla I'Park Duty Free (Yongsan) has shortened hours by two hours, operating from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM.

In the case of Shilla Duty Free, the Seoul and Jeju branches have entered indefinite temporary closure following visits by confirmed patients. Disinfection work was carried out on the afternoon of the 3rd. The reopening date has not been determined.

Exterior view of Shinsegae Department Store Yeongdeungpo Branch

Department stores have also confirmed closures. Hyundai Department Store will close 13 branches, including Mia branch which closed on the 3rd, Trade Center branch, Cheonho branch, and Sinchon branch, on the 10th. The Apgujeong main branch is still under discussion. Hyundai Outlet will operate normally at all six branches. Shinsegae Department Store will also close all 13 branches on the 10th. Lotte Department Store is actively considering closures.

A duty-free industry official explained, "For airport duty-free shops, additional consultations with Incheon International Airport Corporation and others are necessary, so it is difficult to apply shortened hours immediately," adding, "This was not a pre-coordinated matter within the duty-free industry, but it seems that a similar consensus has been formed among them."

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