Demand for Self-Test Kits Rises Again... "Inconvenient Due to Fewer Sales Locations"

CU, Self-Test Kit Sales Up 38%
Sold at Over 26,000 Convenience Stores
Personal Protective Equipment Sales Also Surge

A customer is purchasing a self-test kit at the convenience store CU. (Photo by BGF Retail)

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Office worker Lee, who goes by the surname Lee, had a hard time trying to buy a self-test kit after hearing that a friend he drank with the previous day tested positive for COVID-19. Pharmacies were closed late at night, and convenience stores near his home did not sell the kits. Lee said, "I didn't know that only some convenience stores sell self-test kits now," adding, "I had to go around several places to finally purchase one."

As COVID-19 cases surge again, demand for self-test kits is increasing, but the number of sales locations has decreased, causing inconvenience for consumers. According to government policy, only convenience stores that have registered as medical device sellers are allowed to sell the kits.

According to the industry on the 18th, about 26,000 convenience stores out of approximately 50,000 nationwide have registered as medical device sellers. CU has about 9,000 stores, GS25 about 9,000, 7-Eleven about 6,500, and Emart24 about 1,400 stores selling self-test kits. Consumers unaware of this often make fruitless trips to convenience stores. Currently, each company provides services through their own applications (apps) to help customers locate stores and check inventory.

Sales of self-test kits surged as daily confirmed cases exceeded 50,000 this month. At CU, sales of self-test kits from the 1st to the 15th increased by 38% compared to the same period last month. During the same period, GS25 saw a 74.8% increase, and 7-Eleven a 70% increase. CU handles one type, GS25 four types, 7-Eleven three types, and Emart24 one type of self-test kits. Prices range from 4,000 to 6,500 won per kit.

Many people have also been purchasing self-test kits from major online malls. Sales of self-test kits on Gmarket tripled compared to the previous month, doubled on 11st, increased by 58% on SSG.com, and quadrupled on Lotte On. Currently, there is ample supply in the market, so price fluctuations on open markets are minimal. However, in July, when demand for self-test kits surged, the price of SD Biosensor kits slightly rose from the 3,000?4,000 won range to the 4,000?5,000 won range.

Sales of personal protective products have also increased. Mask sales rose by 12.2% at CU, 18.7% at GS25, and 10% at 7-Eleven compared to the previous month. Hand sanitizer sales increased by 17.8% at CU, 29.4% at GS25, and 17% at Emart24. Sales of over-the-counter medicines such as Tylenol and cold medicine increased by 12.1% at CU, 40.3% at GS25, and 15% at 7-Eleven.

An official from the distribution industry said, "Sales of protective products are increasing due to the resurgence of COVID-19," and added, "We recommend purchasing self-test kits, masks, and hand sanitizers in advance and using them immediately if any abnormal symptoms occur."

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