Convenience Stores, World Cup Boom... Sales Soar on Uruguay Match Day

GS25, Beer Sales Up 186%
Increased Sales at Stores Near Gwanghwamun Square
Emart24, Highest Sales Between 9-10 PM

A customer is purchasing snacks at the convenience store Emart24. (Photo by Emart24)

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Convenience store sales significantly increased on the day of South Korea's national football team's first World Cup match against Uruguay.

According to GS25 on the 25th, beer sales the previous day rose by 186.4% compared to the previous week. Sales of chicken (146.9%), side dishes (125%), frozen ready meals (113.7%), and snacks (98.2%) also surged. By time slot, the sales composition ratio from 5 PM to midnight, the after-work hours, was 51.4%, an increase of 6.3% from the previous week.

Among about 10 stores near Gwanghwamun Square, where street cheering events were held, the store with the highest sales growth saw an increase of up to 97.3%. Popular items included beer (375.8%), side dishes (253.9%), snacks (178.5%), and soju (152.9%), which sold well. Hot packs (378.1%), portable chargers (461.7%), and portable tissues (211.6%) also showed high growth rates.

Emart24 reported that beer sales increased by 145% compared to the previous year. Refrigerated and frozen side dishes rose by 131%, dried side dishes by 103%, and snacks by 80%. Sales growth rates by commercial district were highest in residential areas (37%), followed by office districts (25%) and entertainment districts (20%). By time slot, sales began to increase after 6 PM, peaking between 9 PM and 10 PM.

An Emart24 representative said, “We prepared various discount events so that customers watching football at home can enjoy plentiful and delicious food,” adding, “Since South Korea’s matches in this tournament are held at 10 PM and midnight, the number of customers enjoying dinner and late-night snacks while watching football is expected to continue increasing.”

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