Can the livelihood recovery consumer coupons be used at Daiso?

Starting from the 21st, confusion surrounding the livelihood recovery consumer coupons being distributed to all citizens is intensifying. Especially regarding the possibility of using these coupons at Daiso, a representative store for purchasing daily necessities, consumer opinions are divided.

However, it is important for consumers to be aware that not all Daiso stores accept coupons.

According to a policy announced by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety on the 8th, the livelihood recovery consumer coupons will provide 150,000 to 550,000 won per person, and they can only be used at stores operated by small businesses with an annual revenue of 3 billion won or less, including traditional markets, local marts, restaurants, clinics, and academies. This is because the government aims for the purpose of this consumer coupon policy to be "revitalization of the local economy" and "support for small businesses."

In the case of Daiso, coupons can only be used at franchise stores, which make up about 30% of the total 1,500 stores, while the remaining 70% of directly operated stores do not accept them. This distinction is contributing to consumer confusion.

How to distinguish stores where consumer coupons can be used

The most reliable way to check whether the livelihood recovery consumer coupons are accepted is to look for notifications posted at the store entrance or the cash register.

The government plans to attach separate stickers or notices to stores where the consumer coupons can be used.

Additionally, consumers can check the list of available stores in advance through the official applications or websites provided by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety.

By using the Government24 app or the exclusive app for livelihood recovery consumer coupons, consumers can conveniently view the nearby stores where coupons can be used on a map.

Availability by industry for consumer coupon usage

The livelihood recovery consumer coupons are not valid in all distribution channels, but can only be used at stores of specific industries and conditions.

Key industries where the coupons can be used include traditional markets, neighborhood supermarkets, restaurants, cafes, clinics, pharmacies, academies, and hair salons, all of which must be operated by small businesses with an annual revenue of 3 billion won or less.

In the case of convenience stores, as most operate in a franchise model, it is expected that over 99% of the approximately 58,000 convenience stores nationwide will accept consumer coupons. This suggests that convenience stores, which are easily accessible to consumers, could become a significant channel for coupon usage.

On the other hand, large supermarkets, corporate supermarket chains (SSM), department stores, duty-free shops, and online shopping malls are excluded from the list of stores where consumer coupons can be used. Additionally, franchise stores like Starbucks and Olive Young, which are primarily operated as directly managed businesses, cannot accept the coupons.

Impact and outlook of the consumer coupon policy

The livelihood recovery consumer coupon policy is causing a mix of reactions within the retail industry.

While franchise-focused retailers like convenience stores expect a boost in sales, large supermarkets and SSMs are concerned that customers will shift to other retail channels where consumer coupons can be used, resulting in decreased sales.

Although the government has restricted the use of the coupons to ensure the objectives of revitalizing the local economy and supporting small businesses are met, some criticism has arisen regarding the limitation of consumer choice. In particular, there are concerns that brands like Daiso, which have both directly operated and franchise stores, may further confuse consumers.

Nevertheless, this policy is expected to serve as an opportunity to revitalize the domestic economy, which has been sluggish since COVID-19, and to energize small business owners and self-employed individuals.

Consumers need to check beforehand which stores accept the livelihood recovery consumer coupons and consume in alignment with the policy's aim of revitalizing the local economy.

Image credits: Photo=Insight, illustrative photos to aid understanding of the article / gettyimagesbank, illustrative photos to aid understanding of the article / News1