Seoul Gangseo-gu, Recruiting Stores to Participate in Unmanned Operation Smart Supermarket

Support up to 9 million KRW for smart technology setup costs for unmanned operation... Applications open until the 16th for neighborhood supermarkets

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] A ‘Smart Supermarket’ operated as an unmanned store at night but staffed during the day will be established in Gangseo-gu.

Gangseo-gu, Seoul (District Mayor Noh Hyun-song) announced that it will promote the ‘Smart Supermarket Development Project’ to strengthen the competitiveness of neighborhood supermarkets.

The purpose is to revitalize local commercial districts by enhancing the competitiveness of small neighborhood supermarkets in response to changes in non-face-to-face and digital distribution environments.

This project supports the introduction of advanced unmanned sales equipment in neighborhood supermarkets, allowing additional sales during nighttime through unmanned sales and reducing labor hours.

It also meets the preferences of the younger generation who prefer contactless consumption and satisfies customers who avoid contact with clerks due to concerns about COVID-19 infection.

Before proceeding with the project, the district is recruiting five participating stores until the 16th.

Participating stores will receive up to 9 million KRW to cover the costs of building smart technologies and equipment necessary for unmanned operation, such as access authentication devices, unmanned checkout counters, separate shutters for cigarette sales (partitions), locking devices for alcohol sales, unmanned operation guide signs (LED), and other security equipment (CCTV), as well as consulting, education, and marketing expenses.

Additional installation costs and other extra expenses depending on each store’s situation will be borne by the store owner.

The support targets are ▲small business owners with annual sales of 5 billion KRW or less and fewer than five regular employees ▲store area (excluding common areas) under 165㎡ ▲neighborhood supermarkets classified under the Korean Standard Industrial Classification as ‘Other General Retailers Mainly Dealing in Food and Beverages.’ However, stores that are direct management chain businesses or franchise chain businesses are excluded.

Store owners wishing to participate must submit the application form, operation plan, and business registration certificate by visiting the Gangseo-gu Office Regional Economy Division in person or by emailing the person in charge by the 16th.

Detailed information can be found on the ‘Gangseo-gu Office website - News Plaza - Notices/News,’ where the necessary application forms can also be downloaded.

Supported stores will be finally selected in May through a Small Enterprise and Market Service selection committee review based on the first document evaluation and the second on-site evaluation.

A district official said, “The distribution industry is rapidly changing due to the increase in non-face-to-face payments caused by COVID-19,” adding, “We hope this project will strengthen the competitiveness and self-sustainability of neighborhood supermarkets and revitalize local commercial districts.”

For more detailed inquiries, contact the Gangseo-gu Office Regional Economy Division.

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