GS Shop announced on the 12th that it will begin free‑sale broadcasts from the 15th for 20 small and medium‑sized enterprises selected as the best performers among the 85 companies that applied for its 4‑5 month public competition, based on a combined assessment of competitiveness and marketability. Through this launch, GS Shop aims to help expand sales channels and customer touchpoints for SMEs.
The selected companies will receive at least five free‑sale broadcasts each month, and four full‑time MDs will be assigned to provide consulting services. For those who do not have a broadcast‑ready video, the company will also support production costs of up to 7 million won (about US$5,500).
The first broadcast on the 15th will showcase Dasom International’s “Haruyak Kong Du‑u.” The second on the 16th will feature Namwon Mikkuri Chu‑e‑tang Hyeopdong Jo‑gap’s “Jeontongnam Won Chu‑e‑tang,” and on the 24th, Saem‑dang Pood’s “Joe‑dang Mos‑ti‑de” will be aired in turn, along with other products such as kimchi, Jeontongjang, Mureungboho‑dae, and Chingeuseu‑te.
Last year, 12 companies that had been selected for On&Up recorded about 900 million won in orders through GS Shop. Among them, the mobile‑only product “Jiyechan Kimchi” from Gangga Namu’s line has achieved a sales amount of 2.5 billion won in just 1 year and 4 months after its first free‑sale broadcast on Data Home Shopping, showing that outstanding products can meet customers and succeed.
GS Retail Business Support Division head Baek Jae‑seong said: “Home shopping is a new channel for SMEs with strong products,” adding, “We will support these excellent products to reach customers through the free‑sale broadcasts and consulting.” — Park Sang‑kyung, Hanyangdot.com reporter (highseoul@hankyung.com)