Lotte Hi-mart said on the 26th that it will launch its own mobile service, the "Hi-mart Plan," starting on the 30th, with staff at stores nationwide supporting everything from budget phone activation to device setup.
The mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) plan is based on KT's network and consists of four tiers depending on data allowance, ranging from 4,900 won per month (5GB) to 37,900 won per month (100GB). For customers who purchase unlocked handsets, the company is also offering a promotion allowing them to use the 30GB plan, normally priced at 25,900 won per month, for 7,900 won per month for one year after subscribing.
While budget mobile plans are inexpensive, subscribers often have to purchase a SIM card, activate the service, and configure settings on their own. Lotte Hi-mart explained that it has lowered the barrier to entry by having specialized consultants support this process at offline stores nationwide.
With the launch of its own plan, Lotte Hi-mart (071840) plans to expand mobile-related services across the board, going beyond selling mobile devices to connect customized plan recommendations, used phone trade-in compensation, and after-sales care. The company will also revamp its "Hi-mart Mobile Care," which previously focused on damage coverage. It will add coverage for loss, theft, battery replacement, financial fraud, and mistaken transfers, and extend the coverage period to up to three years.
Meanwhile, Lotte Hi-mart is conducting pre-orders for the recently unveiled Galaxy Z8 series. It offers cashback and L.Point when purchased with affiliated cards and compensates up to 780,000 won in cash when customers return their existing devices. Depending on the conditions, Lotte Hi-mart explained that the purchase support effect can amount to up to about 1.4 million won based on the actual purchase price.
