Emart Sihwa Branch Closes After 22 Years... "600 Employees Face Job Loss Crisis"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] The franchise-type store Emart Siwha Branch will close on May 3 due to business deterioration. The local community is concerned about the unemployment of hundreds of workers and the decline of the commercial district.

According to the industry on the 4th, Emart recently received a contract expiration notice from Seongdam Distribution, the operator of the Siwha branch. This store opened in May 2000 and is closing after 22 years.

Siheung City expressed regret over the closure news. In a statement released that day, the city said, "If a local company that has been operating based in the region decides to close, it raises concerns about the unemployment of about 600 workers and the decline of the surrounding commercial district, causing greater difficulties." It added, "Emart Siwha Branch has been a workplace and a place of life for someone for over 20 years." The city further emphasized, "We strongly demand that a plan for coexistence among workers, citizens, and Emart be established without fail," and "At the same time, we hope that Seongdam Distribution will faithfully fulfill its promise to revitalize the old downtown commercial district."

The city stated, "We will not hesitate to make efforts at the local government level, such as forming a task force (TF) team, to minimize worker damage and resolve citizen inconvenience by joining forces with civil society," and "We also urge Seongdam and the Emart Siwha Branch labor union to actively engage in cooperative discussions and problem-solving for a better Siheung society."

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