A broadcast is being produced for Onggojip Yeongnongjohap's "Onggojip Traditional Doenjang," selected through GS Shop's sales-channel support program On&Up. [GS Retail]
A broadcast is being produced for Onggojip Yeongnongjohap's "Onggojip Traditional Doenjang," selected through GS Shop's sales-channel support program On&Up. [GS Retail]

GS Shop announced Wednesday that it will begin airing free sales broadcasts for promising small and medium-sized enterprises.

The company recruited participating firms through its sales-channel support program On&Up via open applications from April 27 to May 8. From 85 applicants, GS Shop evaluated product competitiveness, market potential and channel suitability to select 20 final products.

Broadcasts begin Saturday, with the first product being Dasom International's "Haru Yakong Duyu" soy milk. Sunday's lineup features Namwon Mikkuri Chueo-tang Cooperative's traditional Namwon loach soup, followed by Saimdang Food's low-sugar rice cake on Aug. 24. Subsequent broadcasts will feature Adwells' "Grand Nuts Signature," Juan F&B's "Juan-ine Kimchi," Onggojip Yeongnongjohap's "Onggojip Traditional Jang," Innova In Korea's "Moev Anucatin" hair-loss shampoo, Smarthada's "Smart Fit" knee brace, Queens Medi's "Saimdang Foot Patch" and Home Korea's modal leaf-embroidered bedding set.

GS Shop guarantees selected On&Up companies a minimum of five broadcast slots. Four dedicated merchandise managers are assigned per product category to provide professional consulting. Companies without existing broadcast insert footage can receive production cost support of up to 7 million won ($4,950).

Bae Jae-seong, head of GS Retail's business support division, said home shopping represents a critical opportunity for small businesses with competitive products that lack the means to reach customers. "We will continue to support quality SME products so they can connect with more customers," he said.

Meanwhile, GS Shop has been running small-business support programs since 2012, when it started with short promotional videos, and currently operates the TV home shopping program "I Love SMEs" and the data home shopping channel "Dreaming Shop," supporting about 70 small businesses annually. On&Up, launched last year, adopted an open-application format to give a broader range of small businesses and small merchants the chance to enter the home shopping market.


soho0902@heraldcorp.com