‘Cooperative Source Mall’ Relaunches and Supports Independent Malls by Organizations Participating in Donation Culture

The shopping mall operated by the cooperative Source (SOS, Chairman Lee Chung-jae), which opened last March, is gaining attention day by day. This is because it is the first labor union movement in Korea aimed at "social contribution through consumption." The cooperative shopping mall Source serves as both a shared platform and a social donation platform.

The attempt by the cooperative Source shopping mall to realize social contribution through consumption has attracted interest from other organizations as well. Some of the organizations that were interested in and participating in the purpose of Source (SOS) wished to take a step further by independently operating their own shopping malls. Accordingly, the cooperative Source underwent a renewal period and restarted operations on June 25.

After the renewal, the number of products listed on the Source shopping mall increased from about 50,000 to 85,000. Most notably, a consignment mall service became available, allowing customized services to organizations or groups wishing to operate independent shopping malls.

As the first step, the Saemaul Undong Central Association newly opened Saemaul Mall on June 25 and began its service. Saemaul Mall (operated by Saemaul Central Association) offers not only general product categories but also specially organized categories such as the Saemaul Hall and the Saemaul Leaders' House. This is an innovative service that contributes to revitalizing local economies by selling local specialties and regional products from various areas.

Additionally, through the Life Preservation Products Hall, organic products, appropriate technology goods, and eco-friendly products are introduced to members. The "customized independent shopping mall service" applied to Saemaul Mall will also be provided to other organizations’ shopping malls that wish to operate independent malls in the future. Furthermore, information such as regional specialties, specialized services, and member business locations, tailored to the characteristics of each independent mall operator, will be shared across all malls to create synergistic effects.

Following the Saemaul Undong Central Association, the Korean Workers' Sports Association, Sertimor Mission Foundation, Gwangyang City Social Welfare Council, Lotus Forum, and others also established independent shopping malls and launched services on June 29. About 600 overseas direct purchase products provided directly by overseas companies have been uploaded, marking the first case among member-operated malls. Additionally, over 4,000 overseas direct purchase products are awaiting listing, with final preparations underway to enhance reliability and establish a fast delivery system.

Consumers using the shopping malls of the cooperative Source and participating organizations can donate 3% to 4% of their purchase amount to the organization or institution of their choice. Consumers can make smart purchases by buying "high-quality goods at low prices" while simultaneously making automatic donations. Donation receipts for year-end tax deductions are also available.

Meanwhile, it is worth noting that free services are provided not only for product purchases but also for daily life needs such as legal advice, tax accounting, psychological counseling, educational counseling, handling of malicious complaints, funeral services, and real estate. Each free counseling service is operated as a social contribution activity through talent donations from experts such as lawyers, accountants, labor attorneys, and psychological counselors, presenting a virtuous cycle model aimed at creating a welfare society.