Winter Arrives at Convenience Stores... Sales of Hot Packs and Warm Beverages Soar

GS25, Hot Pack Sales Increase 15 Times
Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Hoppang Winter Snacks 'Popular'
Various Winter Clothing Also Sold

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] As the morning low temperatures drop to single digits, more people are seeking hot packs, warm beverages, and winter clothing at convenience stores. Companies have launched winter season products earlier than usual and have begun actively targeting consumers.

According to CU on the 17th, hot pack sales increased by 27.8% compared to the same period last year from the 10th to the 13th of this month. CU launched winter products from early this month, about four weeks earlier than last year. During the same period, hot pack sales at GS25 increased 15 times compared to last year, and at Emart24, sales increased sixfold.

Purchases of warm beverages also rose significantly. Sales of warm Americano increased by 42.2% at GS25, 120% at 7-Eleven, and 67% at Emart24. Sales of heated beverages such as canned coffee, soy milk, and honey water increased by 92% at GS25 and 37% at Emart24.

Sales of representative winter snacks such as fish cake, roasted sweet potatoes, and steamed buns also increased. At CU, roasted sweet potato sales rose by 36.5%, and steamed buns by 149.6%. At GS25, instant fish cake sales surged by 242.4%, and steamed buns by 152.1%. At 7-Eleven, roasted sweet potato sales grew by 70%, and steamed buns by 150%. At Emart24, fish cake sales increased by 36%.

A model is introducing winter protection products at the convenience store CU. (Photo by BGF Retail)

Convenience stores are also selling various winter clothing items. CU currently offers about 20 products including tights, winter gloves, sleep pants, and padded vests. GS25 has launched about 10 products such as heat-generating innerwear and ultra-light down padding, while 7-Eleven operates about 10 products including winter slippers and neck warmers. Winter clothing sales increased by 27.8% at CU, 237.7% at GS25, 250% at 7-Eleven, and 24% at Emart24.

Sales of cold medicine have also soared due to the early cold wave. Cold medicine sales increased by 25.1% at CU, 104.3% at GS25, 120% at 7-Eleven, and 266% at Emart24. This is analyzed to be due to a sharp increase in temperature differences causing more cold patients, with those experiencing mild symptoms purchasing medicine at nearby convenience stores for treatment.

An industry insider said, "As more people feel the cold due to sudden weather changes, sales of winter products have increased, prompting us to launch winter items earlier than usual. This year, we have prepared a wider range of items for warmth along with unique products that can attract consumers’ attention, so that customers can easily and conveniently prepare for the winter season at convenience stores."

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