Kurly Inc., the operator of South Korea’s e-grocery platform Market Kurly, has launched Kurly Members, a paid membership service that grants up to 24,000 won ($18.62) in benefits for 1,900 won monthly fee, joining other retailers in the intensifying competition.

According to sources from the retail industry on Tuesday, Kurly launched Kurly Members and set its monthly subscription fee at 1,900 won.

Under the service, when members pay the monthly subscription fee, they immediately receive 2,000 won every month as a reward, effectively making the membership free.

A Kurly official said that the company aims to attract as many members as possible by offering generous benefits that exceed the industry average.

Members also receive a coupon pack with up to 24,000 won in benefits. The coupon pack is provided every month and can be used for various purposes. For instance, Kurly offers members a coupon for free shipping, which can be used on purchases over 20,000 won. The company charges a basic delivery fee of 3,000 won.

Additionally, members receive three discount coupons for Market Kurly - a 50,000 won discount coupon for purchases over 60,000 won and two 3,000 won discount coupons for purchases over 30,000 won.

To celebrate the launch of the membership, Kurly is running a promotion event in August.

New members who join this month will have their first month’s subscription fee waived, and if they sign up for regular payments, they will receive an additional five months of free membership.

Industry insiders believe that Kurly is trying to attract more subscribers by setting relatively low subscription fees.

The annual subscription fee for the membership is 22,800 won, which is less than half of Coupang’s WOW membership that costs 59,880 won per year and even lower than Shinsegae’s Shinsegae Universe, which costs 30,000 won per year.

By Kim Gyu-sik and Yoon Yeon-hae

[ⓒ Pulse by Maeil Business News Korea & mk.co.kr, All rights reserved]