Korean retailer launches do-not-disturb shopping service
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Lotte Department Store, one of South Korea’s country’s major department-store chain operators, will introduce a do-not-disturb shopping service it dubs ‘shop-alone’.
Aimed at customers who do not wish to be approached by sales clerks and other employees – a bugbear of many consumers used to shopping in many Asian countries – has been inspired by the Covid-19 crisis and social-distancing practices.
Customers will be able to shop alone without any offer of assistance from staff if they carry a ‘shop-alone’ sticker or bag ring available near stores’ information desks or escalators.
The do-not-disturb shopping service is the brainchild of new, young staff born after the 1980s, and will be tested at Lotte Department Store’s flagship Young Plaza, and the company’s Jamsil branch starting today.
For VIP customers, a personal-shopping consultant will be available for reservations, made via Lotte Department Store’s smartphone app, after they choose an item of interest.
Questions & Answers
Q.Which specific Lotte Department Store locations will offer the new 'shop-alone' service?
Which specific Lotte Department Store locations will offer the new 'shop-alone' service?
The service will be trialled at Lotte Department Store's flagship Young Plaza branch and the company's Jamsil branch. These are the initial locations mentioned for the new offering.
Q.How do customers indicate they wish to use the 'shop-alone' service?
How do customers indicate they wish to use the 'shop-alone' service?
Customers can signal their preference by carrying a special 'shop-alone' sticker or bag ring. These items will be available for collection near the stores' information desks or escalators.
Q.Who devised the concept for the do-not-disturb shopping service?
Who devised the concept for the do-not-disturb shopping service?
The do-not-disturb shopping service is the creation of new, younger staff members. These employees were born after the 1980s, bringing a fresh perspective to the company.
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