Emart lowers crab prices in fierce competition with rivals

Photo by MK DB

South Korean retailer Emart Inc. has priced its crabs at 880 won ($0.66) per 100 grams, the lowest among the providers in the fall crab sales season.

Emart’s move comes in response to rivals Lotte Mart and Coupang, which priced their crabs in the 890 won range, prompting Emart to cut its prices further to uphold its reputation for offering the lowest prices.

According to industry sources on Tuesday, Emart started selling crabs at 880 won per 100g on Saturday at key locations across the Seoul metropolitan area, including Yongsan, Jayang, Wangsimni, Yeongdeungpo, and Mokdong stores, as well as Bucheon’s Jungdong branch.

This price drop follows Emart’s original announcement last week when it stated that crabs would be sold for 950 won per 100g, as featured in its promotional flyers.

“We chose to offer prices lower than our competitors to give our customers better value,” said an Emart spokesperson.

The fresh crabs currently available from major retailers were caught after the fishing ban from June 21 to August 20 was lifted.

Lotte Mart and Homeplus began selling crabs on August 22, pricing them at 893 won and 990 won per 100g, respectively. Coupang, which launched its crab sales on August 26, priced them at 890 won per 100g.

Earlier this year, Emart CEO Han Chae-yang committed to providing customers with essential products at consistently low prices, promising “unbeatable pricing” for key items.