▲ In the Korean distribution industry, facility expansion and remodeling are expected to take place this year. (Photo = Jung-Bae Kim)     © World Lighting News.

· Written by : Min-Woo Lee. Journalist.

Domestic commercial lighting equipment manufacturing, design, delivery, and construction companies had a difficult time last year in Korea. Distributors were amazed by the

domestic economic downturn and hesitated to build, expand or remodel new commercial facilities.

But the movement of these retailers is expected to show another aspect this year. To overcome last year's sluggishness, retailers are expected to aggressively expand and remodel

their facilities.

Among them, hypermarkets are expected to see the biggest changes. E-Mart is reportedly planning to renew its store this year. About 30% of all stores will be renewed. Lotte Mart

is planning to specialize stores that are not differentiated by region. For example, in J

amsil, a roller skating rink is introduced to take advantage of local characteristics.

Space improvements are expected in department stores. Lotte Department Store is

planning to introduce a 'theme-type professional building' on the first floor where

consumers visit the most.

Shinsegae Department Store plans to expand 'Sikor', a cosmetics editing shop. Hyundai

Department Store will open outlet stores in Daejeon this June and Namyangju, Gyeonggi-do. In the first quarter of this year, Doosan Group's Doota Duty Free shop will be replaced with Hyundai Department Store Duty Free.

As retailers unveiled this new year's plans and initiatives, a blue light turned on this year

for domestic commercial lighting companies. However, commercial lighting companies are expected to carry out active sales, effective marketing and promotions, as long as the

work does not go by itself.

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