[Consumer This Week] Starbucks, 7-Eleven, Uniqlo, Su:m37, CJ Foodville, Pringles, Tous Les Jours

Starbucks Korea offers ‘Cherry Blossom’ drinks

Starbucks Korea is offering three types of “Cherry Blossom” drinks as part of its limited-edition spring promotional menu until April 18.

The cafe franchise is offering several beverages -- latte, white chocolate and cream Frappuccino -- topped with flakes that are infused with cherry blossoms, recreating the appearance of flower petals.

During the “Cherry Blossom” promotional period, Starbucks is also selling a variety of cherry blossom-themed tumblers, mugs and water bottles as well as umbrellas and eco-bags, alongside a range of new desserts.

All Starbucks customers will receive their drinks in a specially designed, pink “Cherry Blossom” cup until the promotional period ends.

7-Eleven introduces healthy lunch boxes

Convenience store chain 7-Eleven has launched two healthy lunch boxes in partnership with the Korean Nutrition Society, aiming to offer customers well-balanced meals.

The tofu steak lunch box features rice, tofu steak, egg salad, and stir-fried green beans and mushrooms. The chicken breast and roasted tofu kimbap lunch box consists of kimbap and Cajun-style chicken salad.

7-Eleven is introducing the new lunch boxes following a six-month product development phase with the Korean Nutrition Society. Since October 2015, the two sides have been working to develop a variety of low-calorie meals that suit modern tastes.

“The new lunch boxes prioritize health, taste and nutrition. We expect them to enjoy high popularity particularly among females and anyone seeking a healthy meal,” said a company official.

Uniqlo strengthens Linen collection

Uniqlo is expanding its Linen Collection, which features clothing made with high-quality linen from France and Belgium, as part of its 2016 spring-summer collection.

The brand has expanded the range of colors, patterns and styles in its Premium Linen Shirt collection. For instance, a new stand-up collar design has been added to the men’s line, and a sleeveless and long tunic design is now available for women.

Uniqlo has also combined linen with other textiles such as cotton to come up with new designs for its shirts, pants, cardigans, jackets and room shoes.

The revamped Uniqlo Linen Collection is available for purchase at the brand’s stores nationwide and from www.uniqlo.com

Su:m37 introduces Dear Flora Enchanted Lip Glow

South Korean natural cosmetics brand Su:m37 has added a new “lip glow” product to its flagship Dear Flora lip makeup collection.

The Su:m37 Dear Flora Enchanted Lip Glow is infused with a blend of peach flower, peony and birch extracts to retain moisture in the lips and deliver a flowery scent.

The new lip product provides a smooth and natural glow. It is available in three colors -- warm rose red, freesia coral and blushing pink.

In addition to this product, Su:m37 has also launched the Dear Flora Enchanted Lip Essential Balm, a lip care product that moisturizes.

Both lip products are priced at around 30,000 won ($25.80). They can be purchased through Su:m37 stores nationwide and online shopping malls. 

VIPS, Season’s Table offer 50% discounts

CJ Foodville is offering a 50 percent discount promotion at its VIPS Steakhouse and Korean traditional dining buffet Season’s Table outlets nationwide until April 30.

The promotion is being offered to celebrate the two restaurant brands’ recent achievements. VIPS and Season’s Table were both ranked top in their respective categories in the Korea Brand Power Index this year.

Customers can download a discount coupon image from the official websites of the two brands. The promotion is valid for a table of two or more at VIPS and a table of three or more at Season’s Table. Additional discounts are not applicable with the 50% coupon.

“We will continue to work toward enhancing our service quality and customer satisfaction as a leading brand in Korea’s dining industry,” a CJ Foodville official said.

Pringles introduces ‘butter caramel’ flavor in Korea

American potato chips brand Pringles has introduced butter-caramel flavored potato chips exclusively in South Korea.

The new Pringles flavor is inspired by caramel-butter popcorn.

In developing the product, the brand had conducted more than 30 taste tests in order to “strike the right sweet-salty balance that appeals to Korean females in their 20s and 30s,” according a Pringles marketing official.

The new Pringles chip costs 3,300 won ($2.90) for a 110-g packet and 1,500 won for a 53-g packet. It is sold at convenience stores and discount supermarkets nationwide. 

Tous Les Jours launches spring menu

South Korean franchise bakery chain Tous Les Jours has introduced eight types of new sandwiches and salads in celebration of spring.

This includes the “crab roll pastry” made with crab meat, tomatoes, cucumber and romaine lettuce, and the “crab & potato 2 in 1” sandwich that combines the two ingredients.

The newly launched “balance box” product consists of a fruit chicken salad and a sandwich. The new items are priced at between 4,000 won ($3.50) and 5,000 won.

The brand is offering an additional 10 percent discount on the new items until Friday. For more information, visit www.tlj.co.kr.

By Sohn Ji-young (jys@heraldcorp.com)