Homeplus supermarkets temporarily close nationwide, leaving customers and tenants in disarray

Customers and tenants faced confusion and distress as Homeplus abruptly suspended operations at its nationwide supermarkets on Tuesday, citing a lack of operating funds. Many shoppers arrived to find store entrances blocked by shopping carts, with "Temporary Closure" signs informing them of the sudden halt.

"I heard they were closing today," said one customer, while another lamented, "They said there was a sale, but they've already closed everything." Many shoppers turned away, having arrived unaware of the closure.

While the Homeplus supermarkets are closed, businesses operating within the stores and external suppliers are continuing their operations under duress. One supplier, who has provided goods to Homeplus for nearly 12 years, expressed dismay at the sudden loss of a major sales channel. "I'm selling everything at a low price because I've already portioned the goods and can't easily move them elsewhere," the employee said.

Leased stores within Homeplus locations also reported being caught off guard. An employee at one such store said, "We only found out about the temporary closure of the supermarket this morning through the news. Our head office hasn't told us anything about how our store will operate going forward, so we're confused."

Another employee, who had worked at a Homeplus store in Seoul for over 20 years before transferring to the 영등포점 location last year, expressed anxiety about potential job losses among partner companies if all Homeplus stores close nationwide. "I feel resentful towards the country for letting things get to this point," the employee stated.

The closure has also caused upheaval for community programs. Customers seeking refunds for cultural center classes were seen at the 영등포점 location. One parent, whose child had been attending art classes there since age six, received a sudden notification that classes were no longer possible. "We got a refund for the tuition and materials, but I'm at a loss as to how to explain to my daughter that she can't see her favorite teacher anymore," the parent said.