GS25 Opens Container-Type Unmanned Convenience Store... Can Open Without Commercial Space

GS25 introduced the GS25 M Yeosu Caltex store, a container-type unmanned convenience store, for the first time at the GS Caltex Yeosu Plant 2.

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] GS Retail's convenience store GS25 announced on the 25th that it has opened an unmanned convenience store using containers on a site without buildings. It has become possible to set up a special container and open a 'container-type unmanned convenience store' in areas where convenience stores were needed but could not be established due to the absence of commercial buildings.

GS25 opened a container-type unmanned convenience store on the site within GS Caltex Yeosu Plant 2 on the 22nd. GS25 collaborated with GS Caltex to open the first store, GS25M Yeosu GS Caltex Branch, as a convenience facility for employees within the factory.

The container-type unmanned convenience store was built using a special container of about 18㎡ (5.4 pyeong) equipped with electricity and lighting. Refrigeration equipment and display shelves were introduced to fit the container size, and the store offers a total of 500 types of convenience store food and non-food items. Before opening, GS25 analyzed sales data from stores in similar commercial areas such as offices and industrial complexes to complete the optimal product lineup.

The container-type unmanned convenience store operates as a self-service store where customers select products and pay by themselves. To this end, GS25 applied unmanned store-specific solutions such as access authentication solutions using QR codes and credit cards, and self-payment solutions. Through the industry-first commercialized GS25 unmanned store dedicated application (app) 'Muin25', it supports access control, facility safety and security, and fire prevention management. GS25 is also carefully considering introducing a system where customers can pick items and leave the store without a separate payment process, enabling automatic payment.

Starting with this opening, GS25 plans to expand container-type unmanned convenience stores mainly in new locations where conventional store openings were not possible. Major candidate sites include large apartment construction sites and industrial complexes located nationwide. In addition, GS25 plans to actively explore projects such as opening GS25 pop-up stores at domestic landmarks or operating win-win convenience stores for residents in island areas.

Kim Juhyun, head of the GS25 New Concept Development Team, said, "We plan to expand container-type unmanned convenience stores mainly in new locations where openings were impossible, leveraging the advantages of lower investment costs compared to regular convenience stores and the ability to relocate and reuse the containers as needed." He added, "Based on the technology and competitiveness of Korea's leading convenience store, we will continue to introduce new concept stores."

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