This year, Valentine’s Day falls on a Friday, coinciding with the extended Presidents’ Day weekend (February 17)—a combination that has raised expectations among Korean businesses anticipating increased consumer spending.
Additionally, with President Donald Trump’s tariff policies set to take full effect in March, some consumers are rushing to make purchases ahead of potential price hikes.
An industry insider noted, “The upcoming Valentine’s Day and Presidents’ Day weekend could be the last major shopping opportunity before inflation pushes prices even higher.”
According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), Valentine’s Day spending in the U.S. is projected to reach $27.5 billion this year, an increase of $1.7 billion from last year. The average consumer is expected to spend $188.81, with expenditures going toward jewelry ($6.5 billion), dining out ($5.4 billion), flowers ($2.9 billion), and chocolates and candy ($2.5 billion).
Korean retailers are launching various discounts and promotions to attract customers.
Kahuna Chair is holding a Valentine’s Day event in celebration of its new product launch. On February 13, from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., an event will take place at W Prime BBQ inside La Habra Westridge Golf Club.
Couples who try out Kahuna’s massage chairs will receive a complimentary bowl of premium short rib soup.
“Kahuna Chair is collaborating with Westridge Golf Club for this special Valentine’s Day event,” said Joyce Kim, Kahuna Chair’s marketing director. “We are launching the world’s first 8D dual-roller AI massage chair to provide customers with an innovative experience.”
Attendees will be able to try out 12 different Kahuna massage chair models, including the 8D dual-roller AI massage chair, DIOS-1288.
Health Korea is offering special discounts and gifts on its premium H-Solution products, including the Diva, Gravity, and Kairos massage chairs, as well as far-infrared half-body saunas.
Customers who spend over $75 will receive a free eco-friendly tote bag.
“In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, we want to share the love with our customers by offering free gifts such as hot packs and health drinks,” said Health Korea CEO Eun Young-gi. “We also provide flexible purchasing options, including OTC, Flex, and 48-month interest-free installment plans.”
With tariffs expected to drive up furniture prices, Korean furniture businesses are launching large-scale discounts.
Ace Furniture is offering 20-50% discounts on beds, Natuzzi sofas, and mattresses from Valentine’s Day until February 23.
“This is a great opportunity to purchase 2025 model furniture at discounted prices,” said Ace Furniture CEO Sean Lee. “We are also offering up to 20% off Natuzzi sofas. Additionally, customers purchasing brand-name items like Tempur-Pedic from authorized dealers will receive complimentary gifts such as pillows.”
Korean cosmetics retailers are also offering major discounts for Valentine’s Day.
Rodeo Cosmetics has prepared a Shiseido Valentine’s Day gift box and is offering discounts of up to 66% on beauty gift sets. Customers purchasing LG’s The History of Whoo, Ohui, or Sooryehan sets will receive additional full-size products for free.
J-Town is offering an Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum 1+1 promotion at a special price of $128, along with various skincare sets priced between $19.99 and $59.99.
A leading health and wellness company hyzen is promoting its new hydrogen water tumblers and mist sprayers as Valentine’s Day gifts. Additionally, it is running a “buy one, get one free” promotion on probiotics, fucoidan soap, and platinum toothpaste.
Hotdeal (hotdeal.koreadaily.com), the largest Korean online shopping mall in the U.S., is also featuring special promotions on women’s apparel, beauty boxes, and a variety of other products for the Valentine’s Day season.
BY EUNYOUNG LEE [lee.eunyoung6@koreadaily.com]
