Shinsegae Group kicks off 10-day “SSG Day” with steep discounts

(Shinsegae Group)

Shinsegae Group launched its largest annual discount event, “SSG Day,” on Thursday, extending it to a full ten days to accommodate inflation-driven changes in consumer behavior. The 2024 event spans two weekends, involving all 18 Shinsegae affiliates and expanding both the event’s duration and scale compared to previous years, when SSG Day typically lasted about a week.

A Shinsegae official said that the company analyzed the past years’ data to select the top 100 most popular items for focused discounts. “By concentrating our efforts on popular products, we aim to maximize value for consumers,” the official explained.

During the SSG Day period, Emart under Shinsegae Group is offering discounts of up to 50 percent on staple items such as Korean beef, rice, eggs, mackerel, and pork belly. Korean beef, for example, will be available in quantities 2.5 times greater than the 2023 SSG Day. Imported pork cuts, including pork belly and shoulder, are priced at just 990 won ($0.72) per 100 grams, with supplies sourced in bulk from Canada and the United States by both sea and air. Emart anticipates selling around 250 tons of pork belly and shoulder during the event, roughly ten times the usual volume.

Mackerel, a Korean household staple, will be available at 9,980 won for two salted and prepared fish. According to the Korea Consumer Agency, the average price for fresh mackerel in October 2024 rose by over 30 percent year-over-year to hit 7,738 won per fish as catch numbers decline. To provide an affordable option, Emart has secured 100 tons of Norwegian mackerel over six months, offering it in a salted, prepared form for ease of use.

Discounts extend beyond seafood and meat. Russian king crab (900g) is available for 28,800 won with select credit card payments, a fraction of its usual price of over 60,000 won. Additionally, Cheorwon Odae rice (20 kg) is priced at 59,900 won with Shinsegae Points.

Other staples include eggs, on sale for 8,980 won for two 30-piece crates, and wine, such as Chilean “G7 Cabernet Sauvignon” (750 ml), discounted by 40 percent to 4,740 won.

The event also features special pricing on snacks and deli items. Emart offers popular Crown snacks, like Jolly Pong and Corn Chips, at 9,900 won for a mix-and-match bundle of 15, averaging 660 won per item. Emart’s Super Combination and Double Cheese Deluxe pizzas are also available at 11,500 won per pie, reflecting prices from 15 years ago.