Smile Club Welcomes 'Shinsegae Universe' with a Sseuk-

Paid Integrated Membership for SSG and Gmarket Global Starts from May 12
'Common Benefits' like Discounts and Points + 'Exclusive Benefits' by Platform
Shinsegae Group's First Step to Build 'Online-Offline Ecosystem'
Additional Offline Benefits to be Added Within the Year, Partnerships Beyond Group Companies Also Considered

[Asia Economy Reporter Yuri Kim] Shinsegae Group is set to fully launch the establishment of an 'online-offline ecosystem' through the integrated membership of SSG.com and Gmarket Global (formerly eBay Korea). Starting with this, the goal is to build a 'Shinsegae Universe' where consumers' daily online and offline needs are all met within Shinsegae.

On the 27th, Shinsegae Group announced that it will introduce the paid integrated membership service 'Smile Club' of SSG.com and Gmarket Global starting from the 12th of next month. The strategy is to retain the name of Gmarket Global's paid membership service and incorporate the existing 3 million-plus Smile Club members plus α into the 'Shinsegae ecosystem.'

The integrated membership benefits are divided into 'common benefits' and platform-specific 'exclusive benefits.' Common benefits are provided regardless of whether the membership is joined on SSG.com or Gmarket Global. On SSG.com, members receive 5% points back on grocery shopping products including SSG Delivery and Dawn Delivery, one 10% discount coupon for all products excluding groceries, and three 5% discount coupons every month. Gmarket Global offers automatic free shipping on Gmarket and Auction Smile Delivery regardless of usage frequency, and four discount coupons up to 12% off on Gmarket and Auction every month. Additionally, all members receive a size upgrade twice a month when purchasing Starbucks beverages. Exclusive sales of Starbucks e-frequency goods are also targeted at membership customers.

The cost and exclusive benefits vary depending on the platform where the membership is joined, broadening the choices. SSG.com focuses on 'online grocery shopping.' For a monthly fee of 3,900 KRW, members receive one free shipping coupon for groceries and one 10% product discount coupon (up to 10,000 KRW). Gmarket Global emphasizes immediate joining benefits. By paying an annual fee of 30,000 KRW, members instantly receive 35,000 KRW worth of 'Smile Cash' that can be used like cash when purchasing products on Gmarket and Auction.

With the launch of the integrated membership, point conversion between 'SSG Money' and 'Smile Cash' will also be enabled. Smile Cash accumulated on Gmarket and Auction can now be used across all Shinsegae Group's online and offline channels. Likewise, SSG Money earned through online and offline channels can be converted into Smile Cash for use.

The ultimate aim is to create a lock-in effect that retains customers within the channels amid fierce online and offline competition. Shinsegae Group plans to add offline channel benefits by the end of this year. Leveraging its strength in offline channels and supporting infrastructure, SSG.com and Gmarket Global, along with Shinsegae Department Store, E-Mart, Starbucks, and other diverse content and assets, will be organically connected so that customers can carry out consumption activities within the 'Shinsegae Universe' without needing to seek other channels. To this end, comprehensive partnerships with leading companies outside Shinsegae Group are also being considered.

A Shinsegae Group official said, "The integrated membership announced today is a signal flare to fully activate synergy between SSG.com and Gmarket Global and the overall uplift effect across group companies," adding, "Ultimately, an 'online-offline ecosystem' connecting various affiliates of Shinsegae Group will be established."

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