As Dining Out Declines Due to COVID-19... Sales of Large and Hearty Convenience Store Lunchboxes Increase

[Asia Economy Reporter Seungjin Lee] As social distancing measures have been strengthened due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), more people are replacing their meals with convenience store lunch boxes.

According to 7-Eleven on the 13th, lunch box sales from August 31, when social distancing level 2.5 was fully implemented, to the 11th of this month increased by 25.8% compared to the previous year. This is because, with the resurgence of COVID-19, people have become reluctant to dine out or visit restaurants, naturally fostering a culture of safely eating at home or in the office.

Among lunch boxes, products with large portions and abundant side dishes were popular. Looking at the top 5 best-selling lunch boxes at 7-Eleven since August, the average weight is 460g, and the selling price is 4,520 won. The highest-selling lunch box is the '11-chan Dosirak' weighing 510g.

Considering that the average weight of all lunch boxes sold at 7-Eleven is 436g, relatively heavier products are gaining popularity. This is equivalent to the typical serving size of bibimbap, rice bowls, or stew dishes sold at regular restaurants.

Sales also increased significantly. From August 31 to September 11, the year-on-year sales growth rate of the top 5 heavier lunch box products at 7-Eleven was 40.6%, surpassing the overall growth rate of 25.8%.

Additionally, convenience store lunch boxes showed higher sales mainly in office and residential areas. Despite an overall decrease in customer base due to remote work in office districts, lunch box sales rose sharply.

Lunch box sales at 7-Eleven stores in office districts (August 31 to September 11) increased by 32.4%. In particular, sales between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m., just before lunchtime, surged by 80.4%. This is because people visit convenience stores near their offices before lunch to purchase lunch boxes and eat safely in the office while minimizing contact.

During the same period, lunch box sales in residential districts also increased by 34.0%. On the other hand, sales in entertainment districts and academy areas (including university districts), which were relatively more affected by COVID-19, decreased by 1.0% and 2.4%, respectively.

Meanwhile, 7-Eleven plans to further strengthen its lineup of home-style ready meals in line with this trend. On the 27th of last month, 7-Eleven appointed actress Kim Sumi as the 'Taste' ambassador and plans to jointly develop products. On the 10th, it signed a business agreement with the Korean Pork Producers Association to promote the consumption of domestic pork.

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