Homeplus is set to reopen 67 stores on August 13, marking a significant step in its efforts to regain customers after a temporary closure. Following a soft launch on August 7 and the resumption of online deliveries, the company is accelerating its return to normal operations. The speed of sales recovery will be critical as the deadline for the approval of its rehabilitation plan approaches on September 4.
According to the retail industry on August 12, Homeplus will resume normal operations at the 67 stores and launch a large-scale discount event. Promotional materials for the reopening feature the slogan "Homeplus is BACK" alongside its popular product, Dangdang Fried Chicken.
Since August 7, Homeplus has been preparing for the reopening by restocking products, displaying items, and conducting facility inspections. The company plans to complete these preparations by August 13, when it will officially resume operations. Of the 67 stores, 59 will also restart online sales.
Product supply is quickly returning to normal. During the soft launch, 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 logistics centers. Compared to the situation before the sales suspension, when refrigerated displays were filled with non-food items like frying pans and pots, the store inventory has significantly improved.
To attract returning customers, Homeplus will hold a large discount event coinciding with the reopening. From August 13, members of its loyalty app "My Homeplus" can enjoy up to 50% off all Hanwoo beef for four days, and from August 14, Dangdang Fried Chicken will be sold for half price at 3,490 won for three days.
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 products, and bakery items, 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.
Political support for the normalization efforts has also emerged. 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 participation in "supportive consumption." She added that the party's leadership plans to visit the Homeplus Gangseo store to show their support.
Industry experts believe that the sales performance of Homeplus will be a turning point for its rehabilitation. The company must demonstrate the potential for sustainable revenue and the possibility of normal operations 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 quality products at affordable prices."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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