Lotte Hi-Mart Launches Kimchi Refrigerator for Singles... Enters Lotte Homeshopping

First Case of Introducing Hi-Mart PB on Home Shopping
150L Hi-Made Kimchi Refrigerator Sold at Lowest Price
Strengthening PB through Expansion of Sales Channels
Reviewing Expansion of Collaborative Items and Joint Planning & Sourcing

Lotte Hi-Mart announced on the 2nd that it will launch its private brand (PB) 'HIMADE Kimchi Refrigerator' through Lotte Homeshopping on the 3rd. This is the first time Lotte Hi-Mart is selling PB products through a home shopping channel.

Lotte Hi-Mart has recently been introducing PB home appliances that reflect various consumer trends such as demographic changes centered on single- and two-person households and increased demand for cost-effectiveness. The 'Single One Refrigerator' released in May and the 'Single One UV Sterilization Station Vacuum Cleaner' released in August both sold out their initial stock and ranked first in sales within the refrigerator and station vacuum cleaner categories, respectively.

Lotte Hi-Mart will launch its private brand (PB) 'HIMADE Kimchi Refrigerator' through Lotte Homeshopping on the 3rd. Photo by Lotte Hi-Mart

The PB home appliance that Lotte Hi-Mart is introducing through home shopping broadcasts is the HIMADE Kimchi Refrigerator, a small-capacity product of around 150 liters targeting single- and two-person households, launched in mid-September. Since its release, it has sold about 1,000 units per month on average during this year's kimchi refrigerator season (October to November), recording the highest sales volume among stand-type kimchi refrigerators sold by Lotte Hi-Mart. This is about 10 times higher than the average monthly sales volume of stand-type kimchi refrigerators under 200 liters from other brands during the same period.

The HIMADE Kimchi Refrigerator is a domestically produced product made in collaboration with a partner company that has OEM experience with major manufacturers of kimchi refrigerators. It is practical, performing the primary function of a kimchi refrigerator as well as serving as a sub refrigerator and freezer. Equipped with 'Ultra-Precision Cooling Technology,' it can control internal temperature variations within ±0.2 degrees Celsius. The kimchi storage mode and aging mode can each be adjusted in three stages to store kimchi according to the type and taste preferences. The product’s lower section features a 'Fresh Multi Storage Compartment' that allows storage of vegetables, fruits, grains, and other foods besides kimchi containers. In freezer mode, the temperature can be adjusted from -7 degrees to -25 degrees Celsius.

Lotte Hi-Mart provides six semi-transparent kimchi containers (10 liters each) and offers a free after-sales service (AS) warranty for five years at no additional cost when purchasing the product.

The sales broadcast for the HIMADE Kimchi Refrigerator will be held on the 3rd from 4:30 PM for about one hour. During the broadcast, it will be offered at a special price in the 500,000 KRW range, along with additional reward points usable on Lotte Homeshopping.

Park Byung-yong, Head of PB Strategy at Lotte Hi-Mart, said, "We are introducing differentiated PB products unique to Lotte Hi-Mart through more diverse channels, considering the various demands of customers. We plan to expand collaboration categories with Lotte Homeshopping, such as seasonal and kitchen appliances, and also review cooperation in product planning and sourcing stages."

Kim Yu-taek, Head of Living Division at Lotte Homeshopping, said, "Reflecting the high demand for cost-effective home appliances, we have exclusively launched Lotte Hi-Mart’s HIMADE Kimchi Refrigerator. We plan to strengthen sales of small home appliances targeting single- and two-person households by expanding collaboration areas with Lotte Hi-Mart in the future."

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