A survey found that 9 out of 10 neighborhood supermarkets experienced an increase in sales, due to the effects of the people's livelihood recovery consumption coupons.

A notice regarding the use of people's livelihood recovery consumption coupons is posted at the Cheongnyangni General Market in Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul./Courtesy of Yonhap News

According to the Korea Supermarket Cooperative Federation on the 3rd, a survey conducted on 119 stores under the federation revealed that sales at stores where consumption coupons were concentrated increased by 90.8% from the previous week (14th to 20th) during the period of last month from the 21st to the 27th.

The main items purchased by consumers using the consumption coupons were daily necessities (detergents, tissues, etc.) at 66.4%. This was followed by beverages and alcohol at 30.3%, processed foods at 27.7%, and fresh produce (vegetables, meats, etc.) at 18.5%.

Regarding improvements to the consumption coupon system, respondents expressed their wishes (multiple responses allowed) for regular distribution at 39.5%, expanding usage locations (focusing on small businesses) at 38.7%, and increasing the budget at 36.1%. A total of 99.2% of respondents said they would participate if a similar consumption coupon policy were implemented in the future.

The federation plans to hold a 'Korea Joint Sale' in conjunction with the second distribution of consumption coupons next month. This event will feature 15 cooperatives and 300 stores.

Discount sales will also be conducted. The discount rates for key food items and daily necessities are ▲ Soy sauce 29% ▲ Ssamjang 23% ▲ Gochujang 9% ▲ Cooking oil 25% ▲ Instant curry 20.5% ▲ Instant rice 18.4% ▲ Ramen 13.2% ▲ Beverages 28% ▲ Sugar 21% ▲ Laundry detergent 27.5% ▲ Kitchen detergent 18.5%.

Song Yu-kyung, the federation president, said, "Support should not be limited to the short term, and measures to revitalize the local economy linked to the consumption coupons should continue," adding, "As the effect of boosting consumption has been clearly proven, institutionalization in the future is necessary."

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