First 'Cooperative Shopping Mall' Opened by Labor Union

Purpose of Social Contribution Through Consumption... 3% of Consumer Purchases Donated to Desired Organizations or Institutions... Year-End Tax Deduction Donation Receipts Available... Overseas Direct Purchase Products Also Available

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] The cooperative Source (SOS, Chairman Lee Chung-jae, photo) shopping mall opened at the end of March and is currently operating.

This shopping mall is special because it is the first labor union movement in Korea to have the purpose of ‘social contribution through consumption.’

The cooperative shopping mall Source is both a shared platform and a social donation platform.

Consumers using this shopping mall can donate 3% of their purchase amount to the organization or institution of their choice. In other words, consumers make smart purchases by buying ‘high-quality goods at low prices’ while donating 3% of the purchase amount, and this donation is eligible for year-end tax deduction receipts.

From the consumer’s perspective, they achieve a triple benefit by purchasing necessary goods, participating in social contribution, and receiving year-end income deductions. Currently registered donation organizations include Green Umbrella Children’s Foundation and World Share, and consumers can also donate to the organizations they belong to.

The Source shopping mall, which aims for the lowest online prices, is a closed mall accessible only to members of partner organizations.

Source already hosts over 50,000 products, including overseas direct purchase items, which differentiates it from other welfare shopping malls.

Source runs an event every month selecting the top 10 donors, awarding certificates and souvenirs.

It is also worth noting that free services necessary for daily life such as legal, tax accounting, psychological counseling, educational counseling, malicious civil complaints, funeral services, and real estate are provided.

These free counseling services are offered as social contribution activities in the form of talent donation by experts from various fields including lawyers, accountants, labor attorneys, psychological counselors, and education specialists, presenting a virtuous cycle model for building a welfare society.

Lee Chung-jae, chairman of the cooperative Source and head of the Integrated Public Officials Labor Union, emphasized, “Source is a cooperative that realizes social economy, smart consumption, and good donations. It provides not only product purchases but also various services necessary for daily life, making it a shared platform accessible to everyone,” adding, “Labor unions must actively practice distribution innovation through consumer movements, welfare for union members, and revitalization of the social economy.”

The cooperative Source includes 10 industry-specific unions under the Federation of Public Service Labor Unions, many cooperatives such as the social cooperative Doedollim, the Korea Workers’ Sports Association, and the Veterans Association, with the Saemaul Undong Central Association also expected to participate.

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