Homeplus "Open Run" Returns Amid Discontent Over Canceled Orders

While Homeplus has successfully drawn customers back through large-scale promotional events, such as half-price Korean beef following its reopening, customer complaints are mounting due to persistent supply issues.

Offline, some popular items sell out immediately after stores open, while online, products that have already been ordered and paid for are subsequently canceled.

Homeplus resumed operations at 67 stores nationwide starting on the 13th, marking a successful early box-office run with sales nearly tripling over a five-day period compared to before the suspension of operations.

Among these, 59 stores have also restarted online ordering and delivery services.

Coinciding with the reopening, Homeplus launched massive discounts, prompting scenes of customers lining up before opening hours, a phenomenon known as an "open run."

In particular, the meat section—offering items like Korean beef and pork at up to half price—was flooded with customers, causing prepared stocks to sell out in just minutes.

However, the supply of goods is failing to normalize as rapidly as the return of customers.

Issues are especially prevalent in the restarted online ordering and delivery process, where items marked as available at the time of purchase and successfully paid for are being canceled prior to delivery due to out-of-stock situations.

On online communities and other platforms, complaints have emerged, with users stating, "I ordered several items, but the eggs were canceled without separate consent and only the rest of the items were delivered," questioning whether delivery quantities should have been secured in advance if payment had already been completed.

Even before the suspension of operations, Homeplus experienced supply disruptions, with empty shelves across stores as financial difficulties led some suppliers to cut off or reduce product shipments.

Homeplus recently secured 200 billion won in emergency operational funds, but resolving unpaid dues with suppliers remains an ongoing challenge.

Reported by Jung Da-eun | Video edited by Hong Jin-young | Design by Yook Do-hyun | Produced by SBS Digital News
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.