In the First Half of the Year, Emart and Lotte Mart Donated More Than They Earned

Despite Severe Performance Decline Due to COVID-19
Continuing Compassionate Losses for the Vulnerable
Contrasted with Homeplus's 10 Million Won Donation

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Hye-seon] Despite severe performance declines due to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), Emart donated more than it earned, and Lotte Mart also made efforts to help socially vulnerable groups despite operating at a loss.

According to data submitted by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy to Rep. Lee Ju-hwan of the United Future Party on the 4th, the total amount donated by the three major marts?Emart, Homeplus, and Lotte Mart?during the first half of this year was 6.77 billion KRW, which is 33.4% of last year's 20.258 billion KRW. Emart donated 5.7 billion KRW in donations, nearly six times its operating profit of 1 billion KRW in the first half. Emart especially donated to regions and marginalized groups suffering from COVID-19 and natural disasters this year. Emart also supported surgery costs, treatment fees, and assistive device purchases for children and adolescents from low-income households who suffer from incurable diseases but cannot afford treatment. Through its representative social contribution activity, 'Hope Wagon,' Emart delivered 'nutritious meal kits' worth 250 million KRW to elderly people living alone.

Lotte Mart, which is undergoing store restructuring, used 1.06 billion KRW for donations in the first half despite operating at a loss. Last year, Lotte Mart also recorded an operating loss of 24.8 billion KRW but donated 5.84 billion KRW.

Among the three major marts, Homeplus was the most stingy with donations. Last year, Homeplus had an operating profit of 160.2 billion KRW but donated only 248 million KRW, about 0.1% of its operating profit. In the first half of this year, it donated a total of 10 million KRW.

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