Idus Opens Store to Support Small Business Owners in Collaboration with the Ministry of SMEs and Startups

Selected for Small Business Support Project Led by Ministry of SMEs and Startups... Various Supports Including Commission Discounts for In-Store Artists

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Cheolhyun] Backpacker (CEO Kim Donghwan), the operator of 'Idus,' announced on the 13th that it has been selected for the 'Smart Flagship Store' support project organized by the Small and Medium Business Distribution Center, an affiliate of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (hereinafter referred to as the Ministry of SMEs).

The Smart Flagship Store is a project by the Ministry of SMEs that helps small business owners through collaboration with private companies, alleviating their burden by offering commission discounts and providing consumers with products at affordable prices. Idus, selected as the private operator of the Smart Flagship Store, plans to build an offline store focused on exhibition and experience for small business owners who find it difficult to operate standalone showrooms or experience stores, in collaboration with the Small and Medium Business Distribution Center. Artists wishing to participate can apply through the Idus website and mobile app.

Idus plans to establish Smart Flagship Stores of 1,297㎡ in Insadong Ssamziegil in October and Seogyo-dong (Hongdae) in November, supporting up to 1,100 small business owners. In particular, the Insadong store will be built as a comprehensive platform that enables exhibition, experience, and purchase of small business owners' works through online and offline linkage.

Additionally, Idus will provide linked support such as online education and consulting to help small business owners with digital transformation, shared workspaces, promotion and marketing, and live commerce. Kim Donghwan, CEO of Backpacker, said, "We are committed to helping domestic small business owners overcome difficulties and promoting the handmade craft market."

Meanwhile, ahead of the Smart Flagship Store opening, Idus will hold an event called 'Preview the Flagship Store at Home' for seven days from September 22 to 28, gathering excellent artists' products in one place. Artists will receive commission discount benefits, and customers can purchase products at discounted prices.