Convenience Stores Prepare for Winter... The Joy of Eating While Blowing Warm Air

Emart24 Launches Two Types of Heat-and-Eat Pizza
Also Operates Warmer for Canned Coffee and Honey Water
GS25 Releases Steamed Buns with Thin Dough and 60% Filling

[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] Convenience stores in Seoul have started preparing for winter as the city's lowest temperature dropped to 15 degrees Celsius, bringing chilly weather.

According to Emart24 on the 27th, an analysis of sales data from September 20 to 24 showed that compared to the same period last month, sales of one-cup beverages increased by 121%, hot Americano by 101%, lip care products by 60%, and stockings by 36%. On the other hand, sales of bagged ice and cup ice, popular summer items, decreased by 60%.

In response, Emart24 has begun switching to winter mode. On the 28th of this month, Emart24 will launch two types of warm microwaveable foods called 'Delicious Guys Ciabatta Pizza' in spicy BBQ chicken and mozzarella bulgogi flavors. The use of ciabatta bread is a distinctive feature. Depending on the region, warming cabinets will also be gradually activated. Through warming cabinets that sell canned coffee, honey water, soy milk, and herbal drinks warm, they will increase the variety of warm beverages beyond hot Americano and one-cup drinks. Orders for winter products such as four types of heat packs, twelve types of lip care, seven types of tights, and five types of cold-weather gear have also started.

GS25 has brought back steamed buns (Hoppang). GS25S, a convenience store operated by GS Retail, launched the representative winter food Hoppang on the 24th. The differentiated products include ▲ three types of cooking-style Hoppang, ▲ three types of dessert-style Hoppang, and nine types in total including three types of regular red bean paste Hoppang. Cooking-style Hoppang consists of one piece each of spicy squid dumpling Hoppang, hearty meat dumpling Hoppang, and chili pepper stir-fry dumpling Hoppang. Unlike the usual fillings such as red bean paste and vegetables, the fillings are gourmet dishes like spicy squid stir-fry, pork stir-fry, and chili pepper stir-fry. The dough is made thin, and the filling accounts for more than 60% of the content. Dessert-style Hoppang includes three types: egg custard Hoppang, Hershey's chocolate Hoppang made in collaboration with Hershey's, and seed Hoppang.

Son Joo-hyun, a buyer at Emart24, said, "As the cool weather continues, the number of customers looking for warm products has greatly increased, so we introduced a new fusion pizza product that can be warmed in the microwave to feel the warmth." He added, "As we enter the winter season, we plan to continuously increase products that can be enjoyed warmly."

No Tae-hwan, MD in charge of the bread category at GS Retail, said, "Since sales of Hoppang in October and November, before the onset of severe cold, account for more than 60% of the annual Hoppang sales, we quickly planned and launched unique Hoppang such as squid dumpling Hoppang exclusive to GS25." He added, "Amid the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, GS25's Hoppang is expected to receive great response as a warm meal and a representative winter snack to enjoy with family at home."

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