§Seoul Seongdong-gu, Seongsu-dong, a large bull statue stands at the entrance of the complex cultural space 'Stage X Seongsu Chabot'. This is the symbol of the Italian luxury brand Lamborghini. Stepping into the adjacent space, the sign for 'lil x Tonino Lamborghini' catches the eye. KT&Gopened this pop-up store to commemorate the launch of its new platform for heated tobacco products (HTP), 'Lil Tonino Lamborghini'.
Entering at opening time on the 15th, one quickly forgets that this is a tobacco company's pop-up event. Sophisticated interior design and lighting reminiscent of a global luxury showcase welcomed visitors. In particular, a life-sized model of the HTP (Lil Tonino Lamborghini), taller than an adult man, drew attention. This model, created based on the new product, dominated the entire interior space.
Right next to it was a shield-shaped photo zone painted in intense red, evoking the Italian brand 'Tonino Lamborghini'. At the center of the shield, the logos for KT&G's 'Lil' and 'Tonino Lamborghini' were engraved together, symbolically representing the meeting of the two brands. Next to the photo zone, the actual product 'Lil Tonino Lamborghini', the star of the day, was on display. There were five colors in total: Carbon Grey, Copper Brown, Wave Blue, Ruby Black, and Lime Green.
The walls were filled with front and side images allowing visitors to check product details, along with explanations of the 'Flashwave Heating Technology' that enables '3-second preheating'. The 'Lil Tonino Lamborghini' product achieved the fastest preheating time among heated tobacco products, drawing consumer interest even before its launch. Considering the average preheating time for HTPs released in Korea is 18 seconds, 'Lil Tonino Lamborghini' saves 15 seconds. Based on the average daily consumption of 14 sticks by domestic HTP users, this translates to saving approximately 21 hours per year (15 seconds × 14 sticks × 365 days).
Opened in conjunction with the launch of 'Lil Tonino Lamborghini', this is KT&G's first-ever pop-up store. Adult verification is required to enter. Dozens of people who had been waiting since before the pop-up store opened on the afternoon of the 15th purchased products at the sales zone by applying discount coupons, among other offers. Additional discounts are also provided for those who trade in their previously used HTP devices.
The pop-up store is composed not only of a product zone and sales zone but also includes a brand zone where visitors can experience various on-site events, as well as an activity zone on the second floor. Upon ascending to the second floor, various facilities for enjoying the pop-up event, such as VR and console game machines, were installed. Visitors who complete missions while touring the pop-up store's spaces can also receive vouchers for a 'DIY Keycap Experience Zone' where they can create their own trending keycaps. This pop-up store will operate until the 23rd, and entry is possible through online advance reservations via Naver Places or on-site registration.
KT&G plans to further increase its current 48% share of the domestic HTP stick market based on this new product. A KT&G representative stated, "We have opened our first-ever pop-up store to directly meet customers through the newly launched 'Lil Tonino Lamborghini' today," adding, "Visitors will be able to see the innovative new platform of 'Lil' firsthand and feel the core value of this product."
Meanwhile, alongside the launch of 'Lil Tonino Lamborghini', KT&G also launched five types of its dedicated stick brand 'NAU' for the device: NAU Rust, NAU Blue, NAU Change, NAU Yellow, and NAU Coral.
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