Jung Yongjin Begins New Year’s First On-Site Management at Top-Selling Starfield Market Jukjeon Branch

"A Year of Renewed Growth, Strengthening the Overwhelming Number One Strategy"
Toured the Symbolic Backdrop, Grocery, and Tenant Stores

Jung Yongjin, Chairman of Shinsegae Group, visited the Starfield Market Jukjeon branch on January 6, marking his first on-site management activity of the new year.

In his New Year's address this year, Chairman Jung defined 2026 as "a year of renewed growth." By visiting Starfield Market Jukjeon, which recorded the highest sales among Emart stores last year, he reaffirmed his goal to "soar high throughout the year."

Jung Yongjin, Chairman of Shinsegae Group, who visited Starfield Market Jukjeon, is listening to a product explanation at the ready-to-eat deli section. Provided by Emart

The Jukjeon branch reopened in August 2024 as the first Emart store to incorporate Starfield DNA, following a renovation. It has been transformed into a space that combines grocery shopping, relaxation, experiences, and community elements, establishing itself as a local landmark.

Chairman Jung stated, "In the midst of a turbulent retail market environment, I feel a strong sense of responsibility for Shinsegae Group to become the most trusted 'shopping destination' in customers' daily lives." He emphasized, "We will implement the overwhelming number one strategy demonstrated at Starfield Market Jukjeon and other locations even more meticulously."

Chairman Jung began his tour at the symbolic backdrop of the Starfield Market store and continued to the grocery section on the first basement floor, as well as the tenant stores on the first and second floors above ground.

Jung Yongjin, Chairman of Shinsegae Group, who visited Starfield Market Jukjeon, is looking at products in the No Brand ready-to-eat meal store. Photo by Emart

In the grocery-focused section on the first basement floor, he checked areas such as the wine corner at the entrance, the "Grab & Go" section offering convenient meals for office workers, as well as seafood, meat, frozen foods, private label (PL) stores like Peacock and 5K Price, and processed foods such as snacks and ramen. He followed the typical customer route, carefully inspecting whether the store layout was appropriate and if product prices were reasonable.

Since its renewal, the Jukjeon branch has experienced rapid growth. Last year, sales increased by 28% compared to the previous year, and the number of visitors rose by 22%. The company attributed this success to a bold reduction in sales floor area and a significant expansion of relaxation, experience spaces, and tenant stores.

Chairman Jung remarked, "Starfield Market Jukjeon was our new challenge to meet the heightened standards of our 'number one customers' who crave novelty." He encouraged employees by saying, "I am grateful to all the executives and staff here who achieved results through fearless innovation." He added, "Jukjeon branch is the fruit of continuously listening to the voices of customers on-site. I will not be complacent and will visit the field frequently throughout 2026 to seek new future growth opportunities."