[Edaily Reporter SHIN MIN JOON ] #GS Holdings is stepping up efforts to foster mutual growth with small and medium-sized enterprises.

GS Holdings announced on the 12th that it is launching free sales broadcasts for promising SME products discovered through its sales channel support program, “On&Up.” Previously, GS Holdings held an open call for On&Up participating companies from April 27 to May 8.

A total of 85 SMEs applied, including 49 food companies, 11 cosmetics companies, and 10 household goods companies. GS Holdings conducted a comprehensive evaluation of product competitiveness, market potential, and channel suitability to ultimately select products from 20 companies.

Broadcasts featuring these products will begin sequentially starting on the 15th. The first product to be featured is “Haru Yak Kong” soy milk from Dasom International Co., Ltd. “Haru Yak Kong” is a health drink made by grinding 100% domestically produced medicinal soybeans—including their hulls—into a whole.

In addition, a variety of SME products are set to be featured, including △ Tongnamwon Chueotang (fish soup) △ Low-Sugar Moshi Rice Cakes △ Adwells Grand Nuts Signature △ Jooan’s Kimchi △ Onggojip Traditional Soy Sauce △ Moev Anukatine Anti-Hair Loss Shampoo △ SmartFit Knee Braces △ Saimdang Foot Patches △Modal Leaf Embroidery Bedding Set, among other products from small and medium-sized enterprises, are set to be featured on the broadcast.

“On & Up” refers to a contest organized by GS Holdings to identify companies to participate in its free sales broadcasts for SME products. The name “On & Up” signifies support to help these companies take their business to the next level through home shopping broadcasts. GS Holdings guarantees a minimum of five broadcast slots to companies selected for the On & Up program.

GS Holdings assigns four dedicated merchandisers (MDs) per product category to provide expert consulting on product competitiveness, sales strategies, and marketing. For companies lacking promotional videos for the broadcasts, GS Holdings also provides production cost support up to a maximum of 7 million won.

One SME that is growing by leveraging these free sales broadcasts is Namuga Co.,Ltd. As of last May—approximately one year and four months after joining the platform—Namuga Co.,Ltd had recorded cumulative sales of 2.5 billion won.

Bae Jae-sung, Head of the Business Support Division at GS Retail, stated, “For SMEs that possess competitive products but lack opportunities to promote them to customers, home shopping is a crucial opportunity to raise brand awareness and create new sales channels.” He added, “Through free sales broadcasts and expert MD consulting, GS Shop will support excellent SME products in reaching more customers and continue to pursue practical Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) management.”