Expanded Delivery Services in the Distribution Industry During the 'Contactless' Lunar New Year Holiday

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] The distribution industry is operating delivery services during the Lunar New Year holiday period to capture the peak sales season. This decision is based on the expectation that demand for product delivery will remain high due to social distancing measures related to COVID-19.

Hyundai Department Store is running a last-minute holiday delivery service that delivers gift sets purchased at six stores nationwide?including Seoul Apgujeong Main Store, Sinchon Store, Mia Store, D-Cube City, Busan Store, and Ulsan Dong-gu Store?on the same day until the 11th. Customers within a 5 km radius of each store who place orders by 5 p.m. on the day of purchase can receive their delivery that evening.

At CJ Olive Young, except for Lunar New Year’s Day, customers purchasing products eligible for immediate delivery through the official online mall and mobile app during the holiday period can receive their orders within three hours in service areas. Depending on the delivery option, the ‘Three Four (3!4!) Delivery’ service, which delivers between 3 and 4 p.m., accepts orders until 12:59 p.m. on the 11th, while the ‘Fast Delivery’ service with delivery within three hours and the ‘Midnight Delivery’ service delivering between 10 p.m. and midnight accept orders until 7:59 p.m. on the same day.

GS25 anticipates a significant increase in customers using ‘GS25 Half-Price Courier,’ operated by GS Networks, during the Lunar New Year holiday and has launched promotions including discount coupons. The Half-Price Courier uses GS25’s logistics network, allowing shipments to be sent and picked up at GS25 stores. It operates 365 days a year, including holidays, making it the only nationwide courier service available year-round. During this Lunar New Year holiday period, courier services are available starting from 1,100 KRW, with discounts up to 500 KRW.

A distribution industry official said, "As more people hesitate about visiting their hometowns until just before the holiday, demand for Lunar New Year gifts is expected to remain strong this week as well." He added, "What is different from previous years is that since Valentine’s Day also falls during the holiday period, more places are offering delivery services throughout the holiday except on Lunar New Year’s Day."

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