"You will need to wait about an hour for a consultation. Customers who came yesterday and left empty-handed are returning early today 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-gu, Seoul, on June 20. Although the store had just opened, it was already bustling with shoppers.
All eight consultation tables in the store were staffed, with employees busy assisting customers. Those who couldn't find a seat browsed the nearby electronics while waiting their turn. The scene resembled a line at a popular restaurant, with more than seven groups of customers waiting for consultations. A couple in their 30s, after seeing the long wait, remarked, "We should do an open run tomorrow too," before leaving.
Posters announcing the 'Thank You Festival with the People' were displayed throughout the store. A 50-year-old housewife, who completed her purchase that day, shared, "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 on weekdays was similarly lively. On June 22 at 5 PM, 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 their 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 designed to share the company's recent successes in sectors like semiconductors with the public. Customers can receive a 20% rebate in digital gift certificates based on their purchase amount. Additionally, uniformed public servants, including military, police, and firefighters, receive an extra 10%, totaling a 30% benefit. With additional promotions from the department store, the effective discounts for consumers are even greater.
A representative from the Samsung Store at Lotte Department Store noted, "Even on weekdays, the number of contracts has 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 help 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 redeemed certificates can be used like cash at various merchants, including traditional markets, local businesses, and convenience stores.
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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