For a period of time, Emart implemented a "lowest compensation system" that gave gift certificates worth 5,000 won if items were more expensive than other discount stores but ended the promotion in 2007, saying that some advertisements are false hype. At this time, Walmart Korea was accepted and changed to Shinsegae Mart, and in 2008 it was merged entirely with Emart. In May 2006, Walmart acquired Walmart Korea, converting 16 Walmart stores into Emart stores. On October 1, 2004, Emart opened an Internet shopping mall. On April 29, 1997, the company opened its eighth Namwon branch, its ninth Anyang branch on August 14, 1997, and its tenth Seobusan branch on August 29, 1997. On February 1, 1997, it became the first Korean retailer to enter China, opening its seventh Emart store in China and the first Emart store in Shanghai. On November 22, 1996, the fifth store opened in Jeju on November 30, 1996, the sixth store opened in Bundang. On July 7, 1995, the third Ansan branch (closed in December 2012 ) opened and, on December 1, 1995, the fourth Bupyeong branch (closed on June 28, 2018). It was constructed by Kumho Engineering & Construction at the time, and when the friction between Kumho Engineering & Construction and Emart broke out, Kumho Emart became the main body of lease.
It was the first large retail store in South Korea. 2) in Ilsan New Town on September 8, 1994. History Įmart opened its first store in Chang-dong, Dobong-gu, Seoul, on November 12, 1993, and opened its first Emart Ilsan branch (No. By February 2014, China's store count shrunk to 13 stores. In January 2011, there were 27 stores in China. Įmart is the first Korean retailer to open a retail store in China. Emart has a website where products can be bought or viewed online. Emart offers everything from food to clothes to diapers and provides a huge variety of merchandise. With new store openings and the acquisition of Walmart Korea in 2006, Emart enjoys its retail leadership in the discount store market. There were 160 stores across the country as of December 2016.Įmart is Korea's oldest and largest discount store chain, with a total sales volume exceeding US$9.4 billion in 2009. It was founded on 12 November 1993, by Shinsegae, as the first discount retailer in South Korea. ( Korean: 주식회사 이마트) is the largest retailer in South Korea.