(Lotte Department Store)

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Lotte Department Store has seen a significant jump in sales from foreign customers in the first nine days of October amid a sharp increase in inbound travelers during South Korea’s Chuseok holiday.

According to the retailer on Sunday, sales from foreigners rose 40 percent between October 1 and 9 from the same period a year ago.

Sales from Chinese customers at its main branch in Myeong-dong, central Seoul, increased 45 percent during the cited period.

The branch’s 9th floor K-fashion zone, Kinetic Ground, typically sees around 50 percent of its sales from foreigners, but that share surged to 80 percent during the holiday period.

A gift certificate promotion for foreign shoppers also boosted luxury sales by about 50 percent, with Chinese customers’ luxury purchases soaring by 90 percent.

Lotte began actively preparing to welcome Chinese tourists in mid-September, ramping up payment promotions and global social media campaigns to attract overseas customers.

At Lotte Town Jamsil in Songa District, southern Seoul, foreign sales also climbed 40 percent, led by visitors from the United States, Singapore, and Russia.

In response to rising foreign tourist demand, Lotte plans to introduce a foreign membership program and establish a dedicated lounge for international shoppers at its Myeong-dong branch.

Lotte Town Jamil will launch combined tourism-shopping packages targeting holiday and Christmas market visitors.