Hanaro Mart and Convenience Stores Smile... Neighborhood Shops Also "See Customers After a Long Time"

The First Weekend After Disaster Relief Funds Were Released

On the first weekend of the government's emergency disaster relief fund payment for the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), citizens are shopping at Mangwon Market in Mapo-gu, Seoul on the 17th. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporters Lim Hye-seon, Cha Min-young, Lee Seung-jin] Office worker Kim Jeong-su (41) enjoyed dining out with his family at a Korean beef restaurant on the 17th to use his disaster relief funds. He paid 105,000 won with the disaster relief funds and then went to Hanaro Mart to buy vegetables and fruits. Secretly, he also bought a pack of cigarettes at a convenience store using the disaster relief funds.

Kim said, "I went out for the first time in a while on the weekend to use the disaster relief funds, and there were as many people as before the COVID-19 pandemic," adding, "I felt 'healed' by using the disaster relief funds." On the first weekend after the emergency disaster relief funds were distributed, distribution channels, traditional markets, convenience stores, and Hanaro Mart were bustling with people.

According to the distribution industry on the 18th, an analysis of major product sales at GS Retail's convenience store GS25 from the 16th to 17th showed increased sales centered on daily necessities and fresh foods. Major product sales at GS25 surged more than 50% compared to the previous week. Sales of hair and body cleansing products and sports goods (golf and camping) increased by 265.6% and 111.7%, respectively. Sales of iced beverages (77.7%), domestic fruits (57.4%), domestic pork (50.4%), imported beef (50.1%), pet supplies (63.6%), mobile phone accessories (62.9%), and toys (57.8%) also soared.

At Seven Eleven, high-priced products showed remarkable growth. Over the weekend, sales of razors and men's cosmetics increased by 45.2% and 48.1%, respectively. Alcohol sales also rose, with high-end products such as wine and whiskey increasing by 17.2% and 12.8%, respectively. Beer sales rose by 8.3%, and soju and Makgeolli sales increased by 4.1%. CU saw sales increases in ice (65.9%), iced drinks (40.1%), ice cream (38.0%), functional health drinks (27.5%), wine (23.3%), and fruits and vegetables (14.2%). A convenience store official analyzed, "Although daily demand is not very large, psychological economic burdens have eased due to the use of disaster relief funds, leading to concentrated consumption on high-priced items."

Hanaro Mart, the only large supermarket where the relief funds could be used, also attracted crowds. Sales at Hanaro Mart Yangjae branch increased by 36% compared to the same period last year. Hanaro Mart explained, "Consumption of meats such as beef and pork increased 2 to 3 times," adding, "Consumption of seasonal summer fruits and rice also increased." Sales of Korean beef sirloin and pork belly surged by 175% and 200%, respectively.

Small business owners operating traditional markets, restaurants, and individual clothing stores also smiled brightly for the first time in a while. Although food consumption was predominant, customers also flocked to industrial products and individual clothing stores. Mr. Lee, who runs a restaurant in the Sinchon area of Seoul, said, "Sales more than doubled last weekend," adding, "There were many family customers who came out to use the disaster relief funds."

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