Lotte Department Store Receives Fair Trade Commission Chairman's Award at Distribution Win-Win Competition

Contribution to Supporting Small and Medium Partners in Dabangsyeo

Lotte Department Store announced on the 15th that it received the Fair Trade Commission Chairman's Commendation in recognition of its efforts to promote mutual growth with small and medium-sized partner companies at the '2024 Distribution Win-Win Conference.'

Now in its 4th year, the Distribution Win-Win Conference is an event hosted by the Korea Federation of SMEs, the Korea Department Store Association, the Korea Online Shopping Association, and the Korea Chain Store Association. Every year, it selects outstanding companies in mutual growth and honors their achievements.

On the 4th, Lotte Department Store executives and employees held a 'Companion Workshop' together with partner company staff.

Lotte Department Store received high praise for actively supporting small and medium-sized partner companies in various areas, from finance to management and welfare.

Last year, Lotte Department Store provided interest-free or preferential loan benefits worth approximately 77.3 billion KRW. Additionally, it operated the 'Win-Win Margin System,' which offers margin reduction benefits worth about 1.5 billion KRW annually by selecting strategic partners.

Moreover, Lotte Department Store provided ESG management consulting to small and medium-sized partners and supported welfare improvements by covering costs for meals and uniform production. Since 2022, it has been running the 'Win-Win Coffee Truck' program, visiting partner company headquarters to deliver beverages and snacks to their employees. Last year, together with the popular F&B brand 'Noted,' it delivered donuts and coffee to about 15,000 employees of 150 partner companies.

It is also committed to developing sales channels and revitalizing local commercial districts. Since 2014, Lotte Department Store has operated 'Dream Plaza,' a dedicated curated store for small and medium-sized partners, at four locations including the main store. Since 2016, it has formed an 'Overseas Market Development Team' to support partners in expanding overseas sales channels. Last year, it held the 'Lotte Korea Brand Expo' in Australia and Indonesia with Lotte affiliates, providing opportunities to introduce small and medium-sized partners abroad.

Lotte Department Store plans to strengthen support and communication with small and medium-sized partners through various win-win programs this year as well. From the 4th to the 12th of this month, it conducted a 1-night, 2-day 'Companion Workshop' in three sessions with a total of about 300 partner company representatives. Executives, team leaders, and buyers from the Lotte Department Store MD Headquarters participated directly in the workshop. Various lectures by invited experts were also held to help enhance the practical capabilities of partner employees.

Jung Dae-kwang, head of the Fair Trade Team at Lotte Department Store, said, "This award is the result of our dedicated efforts to plan and operate mutual growth programs that truly meet the needs of our partners, rather than providing formal benefits. We will continue to strive to become a Lotte Department Store that grows together with our partners this year as well."