Homeplus will reopen 67 stores that were temporarily closed on August 13 as part of its efforts to regain customers. Following a soft opening on August 7 and the resumption of online deliveries, the company is accelerating its return to normal operations. The speed of sales recovery after reopening is expected to be critical ahead of the September 4 deadline for the approval of its rehabilitation plan.
According to the retail industry on August 12, Homeplus will resume normal operations at the 67 stores and launch a large-scale discount event. The reopening flyer features the slogan 'Homeplus is BACK' alongside its popular product, 'Dangdang Fried Chicken.'
Since August 7, Homeplus has been conducting a soft opening at the 67 stores, focusing on restocking products, displaying items, and checking facilities. The company plans to complete these preparations by August 13, when it will officially resume operations. Of these, 59 stores will also restart online sales.
Product supply is quickly returning to normal. During the soft opening, the product stocking rate was only about 30%, but it has improved as major food suppliers like CJ CheilJedang and Daesang resumed deliveries, and private label products were restocked from the logistics center. Compared to the situation just before the sales suspension, when refrigerated shelves were filled with non-food items like frying pans and pots, the store's inventory has significantly improved.
Homeplus will kick off a large-scale discount event alongside the reopening to attract returning customers. From August 13 for four days, members of its loyalty app 'My Homeplus' can enjoy up to 50% off on all Hanwoo beef products, and from August 14 for three days, Dangdang Fried Chicken will be sold for half price at 3,490 won.
Additionally, pork belly and neck will be priced at 1,980 won per 100 grams. Other key food items, including meat, seafood, fruits, snacks, beverages, deli items, and bakery products, will also be offered at discounts of up to 50% or through buy-one-get-one promotions. The reopening event will continue until the end of this month.
Lawmakers are also stepping in to support the normalization efforts. Han Jeong-ae, chair of the Democratic Party's policy committee, mentioned Homeplus's reopening during a parliamentary meeting on August 11 and called for 'supportive consumption.' She added that the party's leadership plans to visit the Homeplus Gangseo store to show their support by shopping there.
Industry experts believe that Homeplus's sales performance will be a turning point for its rehabilitation. The company needs to demonstrate the feasibility of normal operations and a sustainable profit base by the September 4 deadline for the rehabilitation plan approval. A Homeplus representative stated, "We hope customers will visit us to help Homeplus rise again, and we will reward them with high-quality products at affordable prices."
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.