Coupang is taking steps to enhance the online sales capabilities of traditional markets.
Coupang and Coupang Eats announced on September 10 that they will launch the 'Digital Jump-Up Program for Traditional Markets' starting with the Yukgeori General Market in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province. They plan to expand support to other regional traditional markets, including Geoje, by the first half of next year.
The program will focus on online sales strategy consulting, industry-academic collaboration, and meal kit production. Future initiatives will include support for packaging materials and the operation of online promotional events.
For merchants lacking experience with Coupang Eats, the program will provide training for onboarding, as well as assistance with menu and product photography. Considering the demographics of traditional markets, which often include many elderly merchants, support will continue even after onboarding to help with online sales operations.
Collaboration with local universities will also be utilized. University students will propose marketing strategies and new customer acquisition methods from the perspective of consumers in their 20s. Efforts will also be made to identify unique menu items for each market and develop them into meal kit products.
Previously, Coupang implemented a similar support program at the Cheongnyangni Market in Seoul. Following online sales strategy consulting, collaboration with Kyung Hee University's College of Hotel and Tourism, meal kit product development, and packaging support, merchants participating in the Cheongnyangni Market saw their Coupang Eats sales increase by approximately 40% in the first half of this year compared to the same period last year.
Coupang Eats is also expanding online promotions targeting traditional markets. During a promotional event held in August at the Sokcho Tourism Fish Market, sales for participating stores increased by 87% compared to the same period the previous month. Some stores reported weekly sales increases of up to 220%, according to the company.
Jang Young-cheol, Executive Director of Coupang's Social Contribution Division, stated, “We will support traditional market merchants to establish stable online sales channels and achieve sustainable growth, taking into account the unique characteristics of each local market.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
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