[News Today] Homeplus moves toward closure

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Homeplus, the major supermarket chain now under rehabilitation proceedings, has abruptly suspended operations at 37 stores nationwide. The company says the decision was unavoidable due to a severe shortage of operating funds.

But among employees and store tenants, fears are growing that this may be the first step toward permanent closures.

[REPORT]

A Homeplus store that has closed temporarily.

White coverings are in place to block entry.

There is only a notice about suspended operations.

In the empty store, employees are working to remove goods.

A sudden notice said 37 stores will suspend operations.

More than 4,000 employees work at the stores slated for temporary closure.

Yang Mi-kyung / Manager at closed Homeplus store

The company promised 70% furlough pay and transfers to nearby stores, but it is unclear whether that will be kept.

Seeing the store closed, customers turn away looking disappointed.

Kim Hye-jeong / Customer

It was a familiar, convenient supermarket for us. I hope they will not shut down.

Businesses operating inside the Homeplus stores are also hit hard.

Following the supermarkets' closures, the number of their customers have dropped considerably.

Vendor in Homeplus / (VOICE MODIFIED)

There are no customers in the morning and even during peak hours. Our livelihoods are seriously at risk.

Homeplus had originally planned to close 41 stores by 2031, but it has now pushed ahead with even tougher restructuring.

There are even concerns that this could eventually escalate into large-scale store closures.