Consumer Coupons Usable at Local Co-ops with Over 3 Billion Won Annual Sales Starting from Second Round Distribution

With the second round of distribution for the Livelihood Recovery Consumption Coupons, the range of eligible stores will be expanded to include local consumer cooperatives (local co-ops) with annual sales exceeding 3 billion won.

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced on September 4 that, starting from the second round of coupon distribution on September 22, local co-op stores with annual sales exceeding 3 billion won will be added as eligible locations. In addition, local co-ops will now be allowed to register as affiliated merchants for local gift certificates.

Yonhap News Agency

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Currently, the use of consumption coupons is limited to small business stores with annual sales of 3 billion won or less. However, considering the public interest role of co-ops and the fact that their revenue is returned to the local community, the ministry has decided to allow the use of consumption coupons at co-ops regardless of their annual sales. The guidelines for local gift certificate operations will also be revised, enabling local co-ops with annual sales exceeding 3 billion won to register as affiliated merchants.

This measure was discussed at the ruling party-government consultative meeting of the National Assembly’s Public Administration and Security Committee on September 2. It is intended to reflect the public interest role of co-ops, such as expanding the production and consumption of eco-friendly agricultural products and revitalizing local communities, as well as to enhance convenience for local residents using consumption coupons. Local co-ops are cooperatives established under the Consumer Cooperatives Act, contributing to the improvement of members’ consumption and the nation’s living culture by selling eco-friendly foods and more. Examples include Hansalim, Dure, and iCOOP.

The list of local co-op stores where consumption coupons can be used will be available on the Ministry of the Interior and Safety’s website starting September 22.

Minister of the Interior and Safety Yoon Hojoong stated, "With this measure, local residents will be able to conveniently use co-ops, and the public interest functions of co-ops in local communities-such as strengthening community ties and supporting distribution channels for eco-friendly foods-are expected to be further enhanced."

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