Homeplus Co., which is undergoing corporate rehabilitation proceedings, recorded 43.7 billion won in sales over five days after resuming operations. Sales nearly tripled compared with the same period just before the temporary suspension of operations, which the company said is a "signal showing the possibility of normalization."
On the 18th, Homeplus Co. said total sales reached 43.7 billion won over the five days from the 13th to the 17th, when it held its reopening event "Homepl is Back." Compared with the five days from the 2nd to the 6th of last month, just before the temporary suspension of operations, when sales were 15 billion won, the figure rose by 28.7 billion won (191%). Average daily sales jumped from 3 billion won to 8.7 billion won.
The number of customers visiting stores also increased. The average daily customer count of 138,200 from July 2 to 6 rose 74% to 239,600 after the reopening. Homeplus Co. noted, "We are focusing on the fact that sales did not concentrate on a specific day but continued to increase throughout the five days."
The company said it is too early to discuss normalization. However, it explained that the expansion of sales by 2.9 times and the steady flow of customer traffic are positive indicators showing the potential for normalization ahead.
In fact, there is a view that these figures need to be considered in light of the specificity of the comparison period. Early July, which serves as the comparison base, was a time when customer attrition and product supply disruptions had already accumulated due to the prolonged rehabilitation process, and a large-scale discount event was held to coincide with the reopening, meaning the base effect and temporary demand were both reflected. The retail industry sees the key as whether sales can be maintained at a certain level.
A Homeplus Co. official said, "We will further strengthen our business competitiveness so that the positive trend seen since the reopening does not remain a temporary result," adding, "We will continuously reinforce our product and price competitiveness and customer service, and do our utmost until we fully restore customers' trust."