White Day, Give the Gift of Taste at Lotte Department Store

A customer is looking at an Apple Watch in celebration of White Day.

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] Lotte Department Store will present various "preference gifts" in celebration of White Day on the 14th.

According to Lotte Department Store on the 7th, preference consumption has become the mainstream consumption trend among the MZ generation (Millennials + Generation Z). In fact, in the small home appliances category, where preference-related trends are most prominent, sales from January to February this year have steadily increased by about 20% compared to the previous year. Accordingly, "preference gifts" have emerged as a new trend for special occasions. Until now, steady-selling items such as cosmetics and accessories were popular for holidays, but preference items that consider the recipient's "wants" are gaining more attention as gifts, especially among the MZ generation. Generally, "wants" refers to elements more related to hobbies, distinguishing it from "needs," which strongly imply daily essentials.

In response, Lotte Department Store has prepared a variety of gift products linked to preferences for White Day.

First, there are smart devices for those who want a "digital life." As a customized gift for the MZ generation heading outdoors in spring, smartwatches and Bluetooth earphones are recommended. In particular, at Willis stores located in the main branch, Nowon, and Pyeongchon, the "Apple Watch SE GPS" model is currently on a 25,000 KRW discount promotion, and the "AirPods Pro" can be purchased for 289,000 KRW, 40,000 KRW off the regular price. These items are also great as couple gifts for lovers or newlyweds. Although relatively high-priced, the "Apple Watch 7," preferred by couples who value emotional cost-effectiveness and the latest products, is available starting at 489,000 KRW.

Additionally, there are various "home life" items for those who want to safely enjoy their preferences at home. For couples who want to create a home caf?, coffee machines are recommended. Coffee machine sales grew 16% last year compared to the previous year and recorded a 20% growth rate in January and February this year, maintaining solid growth. Especially, Nespresso's best capsule coffee machine, the "Pixie" model, priced at 279,000 KRW, is popular for its convenience in brewing coffee easily.

Moreover, the limited edition "Miami Espresso Capsules," characterized by a rich and heavy flavor, are sold at 7,900 KRW per pack (10 capsules), making them great as a gift set. Balmuda's toaster "The Toaster," which can replicate the taste of freshly baked bread at home, is available for 339,000 KRW. In addition, Dyson's "Airwrap," which allows you to style your hair as if you had salon treatment at home, is also available. The Airwrap is in such high demand that it even trades at a premium in the secondhand market. The best-selling "Airwrap Complete" model is sold for 649,000 KRW.

Furthermore, there are "hybrid" preference gifts that couples can share together. For couples interested in photography, posters, and exhibitions, "291 Photograbs" in Jamsil is recommended to celebrate White Day. Located on the 5th floor of Lotte Department Store AvenueL World Tower, 291 Photograbs holds monthly themed photo exhibitions, and customers can directly view and select from 500 photos displayed in the store, allowing gifts tailored to the partner's taste. Also, couples can take commemorative White Day photos at the store's studio, making it an ideal date course. Photos in A4 size are available for 10,000 KRW each, and from March 11 to 14, couple profile shoots are offered at a special price of 30,000 KRW.

Yoon Hyuncheol, head of the Electronic Devices Team at Lotte Department Store, stated, "Department stores are evolving not only as places to introduce the latest products but also as spaces where customers can purchase and experience preferences," adding, "We will continue to strive to enhance Lotte Department Store's unique 'experience loyalty' with various 'preference-targeting' products favored by the MZ generation."

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