GS25, Olympic Soccer Team Matches Spark... 'Chimaek' Sales Double Increase

Customers are purchasing Ssonsal Chicken and beer at GS25.

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chunhan] GS25 announced on the 23rd that sales of alcoholic beverages and ready-to-eat foods surged significantly as the Olympic soccer team match took place the previous day.

The items with the highest sales increase were chicken at 130.1% and beer at 125.1%. Wine (105.4%), side dishes (48.1%), ice cream (41.7%), and convenience foods (40.1%) also saw substantial growth in sales. This is interpreted as a shift in cheering culture from group gatherings at restaurants or bars, influenced by COVID-19, to socially distanced cheering enjoyed with family at home.

Use of delivery services also increased. Orders through the 'Udeal Order' application (app) rose by 54.1%. Especially, orders were most concentrated between 4 PM and 7 PM, before and after the soccer match started, accounting for about 40% of total orders during this time slot.

GS25 is planning various promotional events. For beer, on the 25th and 28th when the national soccer team matches are held, customers who purchase 8 cans of promotional beer with the event card will receive a 10% cashback. During the same period, instant whole chicken products, Thonsal Chicken and Spicy Thonsal Chicken, will be offered at half price. When paying for the two types of Thonsal Chicken, presenting the discount QR code within the app 'The Pop' allows purchase at half price for 5,000 won. The event is limited to 2,000 chickens per day on a first-come, first-served basis, and will automatically end once the quantity is exceeded.

A GS25 representative said, "It appears that the cheering culture has changed due to COVID-19, leading to increased sales in key convenience store categories," and added, "We plan to offer various discount events for customers preparing cheering events at home with their families."

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