NS Shopping Completes Acquisition of Homeplus Express, Normalizing Operations

On June 23, at a Homeplus Express store in Songpa-gu, Seoul, shelves that had been sparsely stocked with beverages earlier this year are now filled with dairy products and carbonated drinks. Employees are busy preparing for an upcoming event next month.

While a significant portion of the snack aisle is still occupied by Homeplus's private label products, a notice reassures customers that "products will be gradually restocked starting this month."

The atmosphere in the store has noticeably improved. Customers who had previously turned away due to supply issues during the corporate rehabilitation process are beginning to return. A local resident browsing the aisles remarked, "Since NS Shopping acquired Homeplus Express, it seems like the selection is gradually increasing. It's close to home and open until 11 PM, so I hope it continues to operate."

Employees also expressed optimism. One staff member noted, "While there are differences between stores, we expect to gradually receive popular Homeplus products, including alcoholic beverages and the 'Bomeokdwae' (pigs raised on barley), starting this week. I believe events will resume as normal next month." It was also reported that overdue salaries for April and May were deposited on this day.
 

Homeplus Express had faced customer attrition due to payment delays and supply issues stemming from Homeplus's corporate rehabilitation process. However, on June 22, NS Shopping completed the acquisition payment and took over the business rights, marking a fresh start for the company.

Sales figures are showing signs of recovery. Since early June, product supply has resumed through NS Shopping's payment guarantees, with sales recovering to about 50% of pre-rehabilitation levels within two weeks. During a promotional event from June 8 to 17, sales surged by approximately 48% compared to the same period last month. As fresh produce and alcoholic beverages are gradually restocked, and if events proceed as planned next month, the pace of customer and sales recovery is expected to accelerate further.

Organizational restructuring is also underway. From June 12 to 21, NS Shopping conducted recruitment for essential positions, including staff and finance roles at Homeplus Express. Considering that interviews are scheduled for next month, the operational team for Homeplus Express is expected to expand by August at the latest. The normalization of product supply and workforce enhancement is anticipated to further stabilize store operations.

Management of Homeplus Express will be handled by a newly established subsidiary of NS Shopping, Homeplus Express Co., Ltd. An NS Shopping representative stated, "The new company will prioritize normalizing store operations, stabilizing product supply, and restoring customer service. Through improvements in facilities and equipment, normalizing product assortments, and enhancing employee training and service innovation, we aim to become the neighborhood supermarket that customers want to return to."