Emart24 Operates 'Government Support Program Information Center' for Franchise Stores Regarding COVID-19

[Asia Economy Reporter Seungjin Lee] Emart24 announced on the 3rd that it will operate a government support program information center to assist franchise stores struggling due to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), in consultation with the ‘Store Owner Council’.

Emart24 decided to operate this information center to provide franchise stores with necessary information more efficiently following the announcement of various support measures by the government and local governments related to the COVID-19 situation.

The Emart24 Government Support Program Information Center is responsible for organizing and providing information on support programs offered by the government, including ▲financial support (emergency management fund support, guarantees, loan extensions, etc.) ▲tax-related support for business operators, as well as support programs aimed at the general public.

Franchise stores with inquiries regarding government support programs can receive consultations through the center’s staff via phone, and can also obtain supporting documents for tax benefits.

Prior to the opening of this information center, Emart24 provided operating funds last month in preparation for an increase in franchise stores experiencing sales declines due to the spread of remote work caused by COVID-19, a decrease in customers in entertainment districts, and the postponement of university and elementary, middle, and high school openings.

Emart24 provided interest-free support of 2 million KRW to franchise stores that requested operating funds to help secure liquidity, with a total support amount of 4 billion KRW disbursed.

Franchise stores that received operating fund support can repay in installments over three months (July to September), starting from July, when sales indices generally increase after resuming business.

To ensure safe operations of franchise stores nationwide, Emart24 provided more than 45,000 masks free of charge to stores across the country for use by store owners and employees.

Additionally, Emart24 plans to enhance competitiveness by focusing on environmental improvements and continuous management of aging stores at locations that have introduced the operational management service launched this year.

Park Yong-il, Executive Director in charge of support at Emart24, said, “We opened the government support program information center to help franchise stores struggling due to the novel coronavirus infection. We are making efforts to assist franchise stores through interest-free operating fund support and mask provision, and we are also doing our best to increase franchise store sales through essential goods marketing and the development of new franchise models.”

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