A notice attached to an outlet of a discount store chain in Seoul on Feb. 7, 2022, informs customers that eating food and taking a rest at undesignated places inside are prohibited amid a surge in the number of coronavirus infections. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Feb. 8 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korean retailers are raising caution with tightening government restrictions aimed at addressing the spread of the Omicron variant.
While department stores and shopping malls have been exempted from the quarantine pass policy, they are now banned from allowing customers to eat or drink on the premises.
They have also been banned from engaging in promotional events involving shouting, and a quarantine manager should be in place to conduct checks throughout all locations three times or more.
Industry sources say that these new restrictions will pose a minimal impact since department stores and malls have already been cutting down on promotions or allowing customers to eat or drink.
VIP lounges at department stores, too, are only offering drinks to go.
In accordance with the new regulations, department stores and malls will implement a stronger no-food policy and shut down all promotional events or performances.
Outlets of Emart Inc., South Korea’s largest hypermarket chain, are also closing one hour earlier than usual for the month of February.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
