Well-Fought Ghana Match... Convenience Store Sales Soar Amid Home Support

CU, Beer Up 229.0%, Soju Up 131.9%, Snacks Up 188.9%
Special Project World-Class Series Up 244.0%, Direct Viewing Tour Event Competition Rate 3000 to 1
Seven Eleven and Emart24 Also Show Category Growth Rates 2 to 3 Times Higher
Portugal Match Starts at Midnight, Home Viewing Support Expected to Continue Boosting Sales

On the 28th, soccer fans are passionately cheering for the South Korea national soccer team’s success during an indoor group cheering event prepared by CGV Apgujeong in celebration of the match against Ghana (Photo by CU).

[Asia Economy Reporter Yuri Kim] National interest in the second round qualifier match against Ghana in the Qatar World Cup surged, leading to a significant increase in convenience store sales.

According to the convenience store industry on the 29th, CU's sales of major products on the 28th, the day of the Ghana match, jumped up to 3.3 times compared to two weeks before the World Cup started (the 14th). Seven Eleven also saw category sales rise by up to 200% compared to the 14th. Emart24's sales in cheering-related categories also increased up to 2.4 times during the same period.

Looking at CU's detailed growth rates by product, alcoholic beverage sales showed an overall high increase: beer 229.0%, soju 131.9%, whiskey 69.4%, and Makgeolli 45.7%. Side dishes that are often purchased with alcohol rose 188.9%, refrigerated instant foods such as Tteokbokki increased 163.2%, and processed meat products like Jokbal rose 116.6%. These figures are up to 35 percentage points higher than those during the first match against Uruguay. Seven Eleven also saw high sales increases in non-alcoholic beer 200%, beer 150%, squid 100%, chicken 80%, snacks 70%, and carbonated drinks 50%. During peak time from 6 PM, the usual end of work, to the match start time at 10 PM, sales increases were highest for non-alcoholic beer at 300%, beer 250%, squid 200%, chicken 200%, snacks 130%, and carbonated drinks 80%. Emart24 recorded a large increase with beer sales up 2.3 times and simple side dishes like Dakgangjeong up 2.4 times. Due to rain, Makgeolli sales rose 33%, umbrellas 115%, and refrigerated/frozen side dishes such as Jokbal and pizza increased 96%, snacks 60%, and beverages 46%, showing a significant rise in both alcoholic beverages and side dishes.

CU's specially planned Wolkeul series products also saw sales jump 244.0%. It is analyzed that demand is high because purchasing these products allows entry into a Son Heung-min match viewing tour event. So far, over 15,000 people have participated, recording a competition rate of 3000 to 1. Along with this, sales of drinks such as coffee 30.8%, bottled water 32.5%, energy drinks 39.2%, and carbonated drinks 42.7% also increased significantly. Snacks rose 55.7%, desserts 41.7%, and ramen 34.0%. Due to delays in delivery food orders, fried chicken sales also jumped 55.4%.

Sales began to increase from 6 PM, the end of work, peaking one hour before the match start, soaring up to 95.5% compared to usual. Despite rainy weather, about 4,000 raincoats were sold nationwide in one day as people went out for street cheering.

A convenience store official said, "Purchases of food and drinks to enjoy cheering for Korea at home continued, leading to a significant increase in beer and side dish sales," adding, "Since the Portugal match is at midnight and on the weekend, purchases by customers cheering at home are expected to increase further."

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