Korea-based travel retailer Lotte Duty Free has launched an alcohol eCommerce platform as part of a campaign to ‘Live in the Lotte Duty Free Zone, bigger than the airport’.

Launched on 1 July, the online store offers over 700 expressions from over 100 brands, the largest spirits range in the country’s domestic duty free industry.

In addition to whisky, the assortment spans wine, Cognac, brandy and other spirits, and includes limited-run items such as Glenfiddich 29 Year Old Yozakura.

The online store was made possible due to changes in the law regarding mail-order alcohol and mobile passports earlier this year. 

It came as the National Tax Service and the Korea Customs Service worked together to make Korea’s duty free industry more competitive.

As a result, customers set to travel abroad are able to access the online store and receive their purchases at the airport delivery area. 

‘Improved convenience’

Lotte said the online store will reduce the “rush” of airport shopping and “dramatically improve convenience” for departing passengers [from translation].

Customer ID and age verification checks carried out on delivery of the goods. 

To celebrate the opening, Lotte is offering a range of spirits discounts, including 30% off Johnnie Walker, Ballantine’s, and other popular brands. 

The retailer is also hosting a number of giveaways, with travel vouchers and hotel stays prizes for online shoppers. 

“Thanks to the government’s active support for the revitalisation of the duty-free industry, such as the easing of regulations, Lotte Duty Free has also taken the lead in building an online alcohol sales system in line with digital trends,” said Kim Joo-nam, Lotte Duty Free CEO [from translation].

Lotte Duty Free has coordinated the launch with the roll-out of its ‘Live in the Lotte Duty Free Zone, bigger than the airport’ campaign to raise awareness of its city store and online offering. 

In addition, Lotte has revised its opening hours to pre-pandemic levels, with its Myeongdong Main Store and World Tower Store now open from 09:30 to 20:00 every day. 

Last month, Lotte Duty Free reopened its Gimhae International Airport store in Busan following the full refurbishment of the 992sqm space.