Due to the Nationwide Spread of COVID-19, E-commerce Faces an 'Emergency'

On the 21st, as the possibility of community spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) increases, citizens wearing masks are visiting Mangwon Market in Mapo-gu, Seoul. Behind the citizens, a banner displaying COVID-19 prevention guidelines is installed. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

As the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) spreads nationwide, e-commerce companies are also activating emergency systems. This is to respond to the surge in orders.

Coupang entered an emergency system on the 20th. This measure was taken due to the nationwide surge in orders for hygiene products such as masks and hand sanitizers, as well as daily necessities, caused by the spread of COVID-19. Coupang plans to secure as much inventory as possible for items with rapidly increasing orders and to use all available methods to proceed with deliveries.

In particular, Coupang is making every effort to support customers in the Daegu and Gyeongbuk regions, where new cases have surged, so that they can smoothly receive daily necessities. Since the 19th, order volumes in this area have increased up to four times compared to usual, causing early stockouts and severe shortages of delivery personnel. A Coupang representative said, "Orders are coming in at an unprecedented level, so we are urgently increasing delivery personnel and using all possible methods to handle orders. We will do our utmost to alleviate the inconvenience customers are experiencing."

At Wemakeprice, the rapid increase in purchases of masks and hand sanitizers due to the spread of COVID-19 has led to close cooperation with partner companies to quickly deliver these products to customers. At TMON, as outdoor activities have decreased due to the COVID-19 outbreak, orders for 'meal kits'?which can be easily prepared and eaten at home as an alternative to dining out?have increased. TMON explained that after investigating the sales trends of major convenience foods following the COVID-19 outbreak, meal kit sales increased approximately 4.3 times compared to the same period last year. In response, TMON is conducting discount sales of meal kit products and other measures.