Suncheon City Recruiting Stores to Participate in the 'Smart Supermarket Development Project'

Support for Entry Authentication Devices and Unmanned Checkout Counters at Local Supermarkets... Applications Open Until the 16th of Next Month

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Hyung-kwon] Suncheon City, Jeollanam-do (Mayor Heo Seok) announced on the 9th that it is recruiting stores to participate in the ‘Smart Supermarket Development Project’ to respond to changes in the non-face-to-face and digital distribution environment and to strengthen the competitiveness of neighborhood supermarkets.

‘Smart Supermarket’ is a hybrid store that introduces smart technologies such as unmanned access authentication devices, unmanned checkout counters, and security equipment to neighborhood supermarkets, allowing them to operate with staff during the day and unmanned at night.

The eligible stores are neighborhood supermarkets that ▲ meet the small business criteria (annual sales of 5 billion KRW or less, fewer than 5 regular employees), ▲ have a store area of less than 165㎡ excluding common areas, and ▲ fall under the Korean Standard Industrial Classification of ‘Other comprehensive retail stores mainly selling beverages and food’ (excluding directly managed chain stores and franchise chain businesses).

The city will select four stores through document and on-site evaluations by next month to operate them on a pilot basis and plans to expand the project in earnest from next year.

Selected stores will receive up to 7 million KRW to cover part of the costs for establishing the smart supermarket, as well as consulting, education, and marketing support.

Stores wishing to participate can apply by email or mail to the city’s Regional Economy Division by the 16th, and detailed information can be found in the announcement on the city’s website.

A city official said, “The distribution industry is rapidly changing as non-face-to-face transactions are preferred due to the spread of COVID-19,” adding, “Through this Smart Supermarket Development Project, we hope to satisfy consumers’ preference for non-face-to-face consumption, strengthen the competitiveness and self-sustainability of neighborhood supermarkets to respond to the rapidly changing distribution environment, and revitalize the local commercial districts.”