Record-Breaking Typhoon 'Hinnamno' Puts Distribution Industry on Alert... "Struggling to Prepare for Delivery Disruptions"

Hinnamno Makes Full Landfall on the Korean Peninsula... Distribution Industry 'Busy'
Industry Fully Prepares Amid Concerns Over Holiday Gift Delivery Disruptions
Large Marts and E-commerce Secure Temporary Vehicles Due to Early Delivery Deadlines
Department Stores Ensure Safety with Pre-Inspection of Facilities
Convenience Stores Affected by Heavy Rain Establish Action Guidelines

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-yoon] As Typhoon No. 11 'Hinnamnor' is about to make full landfall on the Korean Peninsula, the distribution industry is also on high alert. With the final stages of Chuseok holiday gift deliveries in full swing, there are concerns about delivery disruptions caused by typhoon damage. Both online and offline retailers, including large supermarkets and e-commerce platforms, are busy preparing countermeasures.

According to the industry on the 5th, large supermarkets such as Emart, Homeplus, and Lotte Mart are devising measures to prevent delivery disruptions of holiday gifts. Earlier, Emart closed parcel acceptance early in some areas where ship operations were expected to be difficult due to the northward approach of Hinnamnor. These areas include the entire Chuja Island in Jeju, the entire Ulleung County in Gyeongbuk, the Beoseo island areas of Heuksan-myeon, Sinan County in Jeonnam, Suchi-ri in Bigeum-myeon, Sinan County, and Uido-ri in Dochomyeon, Sinan County, Jeonnam. Inland areas can accept parcels as usual until the 6th.

Other large supermarkets such as Lotte Mart and Homeplus are also closely monitoring weather conditions. While pre-ordered products are delivered by parcel, some products sold in stores are delivered through the stores. Large supermarkets plan to implement countermeasures according to the typhoon’s progress.

Department stores have also quickly taken steps to prepare. Lotte Department Store has established guidelines for responding to the typhoon, including pre-inspections for all employees. Safety management team members are continuously sharing updates on the typhoon’s progress and checking the stability of panels and signboards. Hyundai Department Store removed banners that could be blown away by the wind and moved or secured major outdoor facilities such as parasols and flowerpots indoors. Shinsegae Department Store also conducted facility inspections and installed flood barriers to prepare for possible flooding damage. Next-day delivery services for customers who purchase over 50,000 won will only accept orders until this day in provincial areas.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The e-commerce industry is also proactively preparing for the typhoon. SSG.com closed delivery acceptance earlier than scheduled at 10 a.m. on the 2nd in Jeju and Ulleungdo areas and plans to adjust delivery volumes according to weather conditions, focusing on Jeju and Gyeongnam regions under the typhoon’s influence. Inland areas can accept deliveries as scheduled until the 6th. Market Kurly plans to secure temporary vehicles to prepare for delivery disruptions. According to the response manual, vehicle operations will be suspended in areas where delivery is not possible. Jeongyookgak, which delivers ultra-fresh products, plans to stop accepting orders from regions where vehicle and ship operations are expected to be difficult to prevent disruptions in raw material arrivals and product deliveries, and will notify customers in advance. They will continuously monitor the typhoon situation and inform customers in real time about any changes in delivery status.

The convenience store industry, which suffered the most damage from last month’s heavy rain, is also fully prepared. BGF Retail, the operator of CU, distributed manuals containing inspection items and damage prevention methods to franchise and directly operated stores to prevent flooding and other damages. GS Retail, the operator of GS25, notified store owners of store action guidelines, and Emart24 distributed an emergency response manual for typhoon damage to each store, informing them of countermeasures and emergency response procedures for power outages and other situations.

The food and beverage industry is expected to suffer relatively less damage as direct delivery services are limited, but they are closely monitoring the typhoon’s progress to prepare for any possible situations such as factory flooding. Hite Jinro has provided guidance on facility inspections for factories, logistics centers, and sales branches to prevent safety accidents and facility damage, and has established guidelines for focused inspections against strong winds and power outages.

An industry insider said, "Since unexpected situations may occur, companies that deliver directly are expected to suffer significant damage," adding, "As some sectors such as convenience stores suffered major damage during the last heavy rain, we are proactively preparing countermeasures this time to minimize damage."

Meanwhile, as of 6 a.m. today, Typhoon No. 11 Hinnamnor passed 480 km south-southwest off Seogwipo City, Jeju. Most regions nationwide are expected to be under the influence of Hinnamnor from today until the 6th.