'New Emart' Revealed at Emart Wolgye Branch... A 'Complex Shopping Mall' Strengthening Groceries and Specialty Restaurants

Emart Wolgye Branch to Complete Renovation by April
Strengthening Grocery and Specialty Dining Areas to Transform into a Complex Shopping Mall
'Food Market Elephant' Equipped with Single Seats and Children's Play Area
Emart to Renovate 30% of 140 Stores This Year

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Seung-jin] As Emart undertakes a high-intensity overhaul following last year's poor performance, the outline of the 'New Emart' has emerged. Emart Wolgye Branch, currently being renewed as a future-oriented store, has transformed into a complex shopping mall by strengthening grocery, beverages, and specialty dining areas.

Starting with the Wolgye Branch this year, Emart plans to extensively renovate more than 30% of its 140 stores nationwide. The investment amount for the renewal alone reaches 260 billion KRW. The Wolgye Branch is expected to complete construction as early as April, with the second-floor food court already refurbished last December under the name 'Food Market Elephant.'

Elephant is a food court developed by Emart in collaboration with 'B Company,' a small and medium-sized dining business established last year. It opened at the Wolgye Branch as the third location following Namyangju and Hanam branches. The biggest feature of Elephant is that, unlike traditional food courts, it includes play areas for infants and toddlers as well as single seats.

The meal kit corner at Emart Wolgye branch. Compared to the previous meal kit corner, the display shelves have doubled in size and the variety has increased. Emart plans to continuously strengthen its grocery section through this renewal.

During a visit on the afternoon of the 12th, Elephant was notable for several housewives pushing strollers and individuals working on laptops at single seats. Jeong Mo (34), a housewife living in a nearby apartment, said, "I often come here because I can comfortably eat even with a young child," adding, "The atmosphere has become more sophisticated and comfortable compared to before, making it feel like a resting space."

The first floor, partially renovated, featured a liquor corner and meal kit corner twice as large as before. The liquor corner had 12 large refrigerators lined up displaying beer, reminiscent of a beer warehouse. Various types of cheese and ham were also displayed together, resembling a department store's liquor section. The meal kit corner not only expanded in size but also diversified its offerings, reflecting the recent growth trend in the meal kit market.

Regarding this, an Emart official explained, "We plan to diversify the range by stocking small items not sold in regular marts and enhance freshness," adding, "The grocery store renewal will continue."

The liquor section, which has more than doubled in size through renovation. About 10 large refrigerators displaying beer are lined up in a row, reminiscent of a beer warehouse.

Efforts to break away from the traditional supermarket format into a complex shopping mall were evident in the upcoming specialty dining area and ready-to-eat corner on the first floor, as well as the kids' cafe on the second floor. Although the tenants for the specialty dining area have not yet been selected, franchise companies are expected to move in. Additionally, experiential electronics store Electromart and Molly’s Pet Shop will also open, targeting various consumer groups.

This large-scale renewal by Emart comes after continued poor performance, including a first-quarter loss last year. Emart's operating profit last year was 150.65085 billion KRW, down 67.4% from 462.827 billion KRW in the same period the previous year. Sales increased by 10.7% to 18.16795589 trillion KRW, while net income dropped 53% to 223.83401 billion KRW. Accordingly, Emart plans to renovate more than 30% of its nationwide stores this year, including Gwangju, Gangneung, and Chuncheon branches.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.