Homeplus generated 10.6 billion won ($7.2 million) in sales on Aug. 13, the first day 67 hypermarket stores resumed operations after a month-long shutdown caused by a shortage of operating funds, with customer traffic up 15% from a year earlier. The labor union said hypermarket outlets accounted for 8.9 billion won and mall operations 1.7 billion won, while processed foods, seafood and meat led purchases and several stores in Seoul and other regions each topped 200 million won in daily sales as reopening discounts drew crowds. The rebound adds to signs of pent-up demand seen at the reopened stores, but Homeplus is still trying to normalize inventory after the Seoul Bankruptcy Court approved 200 billion won in emergency operating funds from Meritz Financial Group and while more than 200 billion won in unpaid settlements to food suppliers continue to weigh on supply. Creditors, shareholders and other stakeholders are scheduled to vote on the rehabilitation plan on Sept. 2 ahead of the court's Sept. 4 approval deadline, when the company must demonstrate its viability or proceed with a sale.