Hyundai Department Store Courts Chinese Tourists with Apple Pay & More
Hyundai Department Store is making a strategic move to attract Chinese tourists, known as sankers (independent travelers), by expanding mobile payment options and enhancing the in-store experience. The retailer will launch Apple Pay support for Chinese customers across all its department stores and outlets starting February 14th, a first for a domestic department store in South Korea, through a partnership with UnionPay.
Boosting Convenience for a Key Demographic
The move comes ahead of the Lunar New Year, a peak travel season for Chinese tourists. Hyundai Department Store recognizes the growing preference for mobile payments among younger Chinese consumers. By offering Apple Pay, which is popular with the 2030 demographic in China, the retailer aims to increase shopping convenience and satisfaction for this key group.
Customers using Apple Pay will receive discounts of up to 12% through January of next year. This isn’t simply about promotions; Hyundai sees this as a way to improve the overall shopping experience for international visitors.
Expanding Mobile Payment Options
Hyundai Department Store isn’t stopping at Apple Pay. The company plans to broaden its mobile payment offerings further, potentially adding support for Huawei Pay and Xiaomi Pay as early as June. This expansion, facilitated by UnionPay’s diverse payment service portfolio, will provide Chinese customers with greater flexibility and choice.
Beyond Payments: Immersive Experiences
Recognizing that shopping is more than just transactions, Hyundai Department Store is investing in experiential retail. The company will launch a dedicated K-beauty and K-fashion pop-up space on the 6th floor of The Hyundai Seoul this spring. This space will feature personalized color analysis and custom t-shirt design services, catering to the interests of Chinese tourists.
To increase visibility, Hyundai Department Store will also promote its pop-up shops and food & beverage options on popular travel apps and platforms used by Chinese tourists for restaurant recommendations, flight bookings, and hotel reservations.
The Rise of the ‘Sanker’ and the Future of Retail
Hyundai Department Store’s strategy reflects a broader trend in the retail industry: the increasing importance of catering to independent tourist groups. Traditionally, retailers focused on tour groups, but the growing number of sankers presents a significant opportunity. These travelers are often younger, more tech-savvy, and seek unique experiences.
What Does This Mean for Other Retailers?
Other retailers are likely to follow suit, investing in localized payment solutions and experiential offerings to attract Chinese tourists. This could include:
- Expanding mobile payment options: Supporting WeChat Pay, Alipay, and other popular Chinese payment platforms.
- Personalized shopping experiences: Offering tailored recommendations, language support, and cultural events.
- Digital marketing: Utilizing Chinese social media platforms like WeChat and Weibo to reach potential customers.
FAQ
Q: When will Apple Pay be available at Hyundai Department Store?
A: Apple Pay will be available starting February 14th.
Q: What other payment options are planned?
A: Hyundai Department Store plans to potentially add Huawei Pay and Xiaomi Pay by June.
Q: What is a ‘sanker’?
A: A ‘sanker’ is a Chinese individual tourist, traveling independently rather than as part of a group.
Q: What kind of discounts are available with Apple Pay?
A: Customers using Apple Pay can receive discounts of up to 12% through January of next year.
Did you know? The number of Chinese tourists traveling abroad has been steadily increasing in recent years, making them a crucial market for retailers worldwide.
Pro Tip: Retailers looking to attract Chinese tourists should prioritize mobile payment options and create immersive, culturally relevant experiences.
What are your thoughts on Hyundai Department Store’s strategy? Share your comments below!
