SEOUL — The Korean Supermarket Cooperative Federation (KSCF) has reported overwhelming success with the initial distribution of a nationwide "living recovery consumption coupon," highlighting its profound impact on local businesses and consumers alike. Following a survey of over 100 member stores, the federation is now advocating for the program to be made a permanent fixture of national policy, citing its proven ability to revitalize neighborhood economies.
The first phase of the coupon program, which began on July 21st, served as a crucial lifeline for small-scale merchants. An emergency survey conducted by the KSCF revealed that a remarkable 90.8% of participating supermarkets experienced a surge in sales within the first week of the coupon's availability. Over 60% of these stores saw an increase exceeding 5%, a significant boost for an industry grappling with the fallout from political instability and persistent high inflation.
The coupons were predominantly used for essential household items, with daily necessities like detergent and toilet paper topping the list of purchases. Other popular categories included beverages, processed foods, and fresh produce, underscoring the program's direct benefit to everyday consumers managing rising living costs.
Retailers are overwhelmingly in favor of the program's continuation. The survey found that 99.2% of stores would participate in a similar initiative again. Their feedback, however, points to a clear demand for improvement. The top requests from merchants were for the institutionalization of regular coupon issuance, an expansion of eligible usage locations, and an increase in the program’s overall budget.
In response to this positive momentum, the KSCF is not waiting for a permanent policy. The federation has announced plans to hold a major "Joint Sale" in September, strategically timed to coincide with the second coupon distribution. This event will bring together 300 stores across 15 cooperatives to offer deep discounts on essential items, further maximizing the coupons’ purchasing power.
KSCF Chairman Song Yu-kyung stated that the data "conclusively proves" the program's effectiveness as a consumer-driven stimulus. “This should not be a one-off, short-term measure,” Song urged, "but a sustained effort to support local economies. The time is now to institutionalize this program.” The federation’s push signals a strong belief that these coupons are not just temporary relief but a sustainable engine for economic growth.
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