[Big-Box Retailers in Crisis] ② Asset sales instead of store openings...prolonged restructuring phase

E-Mart and Lotte Mart have cut capital spending and new store openings since around 2018, shifting away from aggressive expansion.

Lotte Mart also sold store real estate into a REIT to unlock cash, highlighting a broader push to improve liquidity.

Rather than rush to reopen stores even after Homeplus closures, both companies are focusing on existing-store efficiency, online, and logistics.

The move reflects shrinking structural demand for big-box retail and the burden of fixed costs, pointing to a prolonged industry restructuring.