The Korea Herald

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Xiaomi steps up marketing in Korea

By Kim Young-won

Published : March 31, 2016 - 15:04

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Chinese electronics firm Xiaomi on Thursday pledged to expand its presence in Korea by offering a wider variety of products.

At a media event in Seoul on Thursday, the company showcased a diverse lineup that included flat and curved ultra-high definition TVs, a water dispenser, self-balancing electric scooter NineBot, air purifiers, and fitness bands.

Lee Joon-sok, the chief executive of KomaTrade, one of the official Korean sales partners of Xiaomi, speaks at a press event in Seoul on Thursday. (KomaTrade) Lee Joon-sok, the chief executive of KomaTrade, one of the official Korean sales partners of Xiaomi, speaks at a press event in Seoul on Thursday. (KomaTrade)

KomaTrade -- one of Xiaomi’s official Korean sales partner -- also outlined plans for boosting the Chinese firm’s sales here.

“KomaTrade is happy to introduce the Xiaomi products, which have been appealing to global consumers, at affordable prices and with systematic supply systems,” said Lee Joon-sok, the chief executive of KomaTrade.

The prices of some products are expected to be half the prices of similar products by local electronics giants such as Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics.

For example, the 65-inch curved UHD TV costs 160 million won ($139,680), compared to a Samsung UHD TV with a 65-inch curved screen that costs around 3 million won.

In 2015, KomaTrade posted 20 billion won in sales. For this year, it has raised its sales targets to 200 billion won.

To achieve the sales goal, the KomaTrade CEO said it would beef up after-sales and logistics services.

The Korean firm will collaborate with local after-sales service centers in six metropolitan cities, including Busan, Daegu, and Incheon, as well as Jeju and Gangwon provinces.

The CEO also said it would set up logistics centers across the nation to make one-day delivery services available in all parts of he country.

By Kim Young-won (wone0102@heraldcorp.com)