[Asia Economy Reporter Seungjin Lee] Consumers who had turned to online shopping due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) originating from the Coupang logistics center are expected to return to large supermarkets. Following Coupang, confirmed cases have been reported one after another at various logistics centers, including Market Kurly's logistics center, increasing consumer anxiety.
According to government authorities and the industry on the 30th, all 486 employees of the Goyang Coupang logistics center tested negative in the first round of mass testing. The total number of people tested, including employees of the Goyang Coupang logistics center and partner companies, was 711, of which about 68% were tested in Goyang City on the 28th. The quarantine authorities are currently checking the number of employees tested outside Goyang City and their test results.
Market Kurly, which also had confirmed COVID-19 cases among its logistics center employees like Coupang, announced that out of 319 people tested, 297 received negative results. The 22 people whose test results have not yet been received will be followed up and the situation will be communicated accordingly.
Market Kurly conducted disinfection not only in the Ambient 1 Center where the confirmed case worked but also throughout all areas of Kurly’s logistics centers, including shared spaces such as restrooms and employee storage areas, as well as vehicles. They also shortened the existing disinfection cycle by half to carry out more thorough disinfection work.
Online delivery companies are on high alert due to the COVID-19 spread from the Coupang logistics center. SSG.com disinfects delivery vehicles twice a day. They continuously monitor the health status of regular employees within the logistics center and enforce visitor records and mandatory mask-wearing for partner companies and external visitors entering and exiting. Lotte Group is also completely restricting external access to all logistics centers and fresh quality innovation centers.
Despite these measures, consumer anxiety is growing. Cha Mo (34), an office worker who shops online at least three times a month, said, "I think I will have to shop at a large supermarket this weekend," adding, "It is very unsettling to hear that the virus was detected on keyboards and office supplies used by logistics center employees."
Lee Mo (35), an office worker with a three-year-old son, also plans to suspend online shopping for the time being. Lee said, "I mainly ordered early morning delivery because of my child, and recently, the frequency of online orders increased due to COVID-19, but I plan to stop for now."
Meanwhile, large supermarkets are holding various discount events this weekend. Emart is importing about 40 tons (approximately 36,000) of Russian snow crabs and selling them at about 30% cheaper than the regular price, at 3,780 KRW per 100g, for three days until the 31st. Also, customers who purchase one pack (1.4 kg) of ‘Jeju House Tangerines’ will receive a 5,000 KRW Shinsegae gift certificate as shopping support.
Lotte Mart is holding an ‘Australian Beef Sale’ offering Australian grass-fed beef at an exceptional price for a week until June 3rd. During the event, all customers can purchase safe cuts of Australian grass-fed beef at prices about 40% lower than market prices. Additionally, they are holding a ‘Recharge National Vitality with Our Agricultural Products’ event, offering 20% discounts on seasonal fruits and vegetables.
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