Social Distancing Narrows Gap Between Convenience Stores and Customers

Increase in Convenience Store Shopping Over Supermarkets
Effective Expansion Strategy for Fruits and Vegetables
Discounts on Ingredients and Side Dishes... Targeting Single-Person Households and Housewives

Small-packaged vegetable products sold at CU. (Photo by CU)

[Asia Economy Reporter Seungjin Lee] Kang Suhyun (32, pseudonym), who is working from home due to the impact of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), has been shopping at convenience stores instead of large supermarkets for a month. It was easier to practice social distancing, and since convenience stores sell all the fruits and vegetables that were previously only available at large supermarkets, it was actually more convenient to purchase them. Kang said, "The small packaging is good for single-person households," and added, "Even after the COVID-19 situation ends, I think I will occasionally shop at convenience stores instead of large supermarkets."

As social distancing has prolonged due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of consumers shopping at convenience stores has increased. In the past, convenience stores were places to buy cigarettes or grab a quick meal, but recently, by increasing the proportion of fresh foods such as fruits and vegetables, the status of convenience stores is changing.

According to CU on the 8th, vegetable sales last month increased by a whopping 71% compared to the previous year. In December last year, there was also a high growth rate of 22.9%. Vegetable sales have steadily increased this year as the impact of COVID-19 became more pronounced, with 32.2% growth in January and 58.9% in February. Fruit sales also surged. In December last year, CU held a 'Half-Price Fruit' event, resulting in an 86.4% increase in sales compared to the previous year. This trend has continued after COVID-19, with the average growth rate of fruit-related sales from January to March reaching 47%.

GS25 also saw a significant increase in consumers seeking vegetables and fruits after COVID-19. Vegetable sales increased by 25.3% in January compared to the previous year, rising to 36.3% in February and 40.7% in March. Fruit sales have also shown steady growth, recording sales growth rates of 15.7% in January, 22.1% in February, and 15.9% in March.

In the case of 7-Eleven, due to the impact of COVID-19, last month saw a phenomenon where daytime sales (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and nighttime sales (6 p.m. to midnight) reversed for the first time. Daytime sales last month increased by 38.4%, about 2 percentage points higher than 36.1% in the same month last year. Nighttime sales, however, decreased from 38.7% last year to 37.2% last month.

During this period, sales of daily necessities and groceries increased. Bread sales grew the most, increasing by 192% compared to the same period last year, and cooking oil sales increased by 45.9%. In addition, sales of side dishes, eggs, and other groceries, as well as daily necessities such as toilet paper, also increased.

The convenience store industry's move to challenge large supermarkets is expected to accelerate further due to the impact of COVID-19. CU is holding a budget shopping event until the end of this month. The event includes food ingredients mainly purchased at large supermarkets, such as grilled mackerel, grilled flatfish, tofu, and whole kimchi. Emart24 is conducting a promotion throughout April targeting ready meals, snacks, bread, dairy products, beverages, and bulk daily necessities. 7-Eleven plans to target single-person households and housewives seeking convenience by launching the side dish ready meal brand 'Our Neighborhood Side Dish Shop.'

A convenience store industry official explained, "There is a growing tendency for single-person households to consume products at convenience stores that they used to look for at supermarkets," and added, "Reflecting this trend, the convenience store industry will further expand food ingredients such as fruits and vegetables."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.