GS25 Reaches 400th Store in Vietnam... "Establishing a K-Convenience Store Network"

400th Store Opened Across Northern and Southern Vietnam
Strengthening Product Competitiveness Centered on K-Food

GS25, the convenience store chain operated by GS Retail, announced on November 27 that it has opened its 400th store across Vietnam.

GS25 has been solidifying its presence in the Vietnamese market through a dual-hub expansion strategy focused on the southern region (Ho Chi Minh City) and the northern region (Hanoi). Since its initial entry into Ho Chi Minh City in 2018, the company has expanded to 350 stores in the south over seven years. After entering Hanoi for the first time in March this year, it has grown to 50 stores in the north within just eight months.

Local residents are enjoying Korean food at the GS25 Vietnam 'K-Food Specialty Store.' Provided by GS Retail

GS25 attributes its success in Vietnam to strengthening product competitiveness centered on K-food and operating specialty stores tailored to the characteristics of each commercial district. In particular, the company operates 10 types of specialty stores focusing on categories favored by local Vietnamese consumers, such as K-food, K-beauty, Wine25, Cafe25, and fresh foods.

The most popular store format at GS25 Vietnam is the 'K-Food Specialty Store.' Top-selling items at these stores include tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), Korean-style fish cakes, gimbap, bibimbap, and fruit-flavored soju. The tteokbokki, sold as a ready-to-eat menu item, was developed to reflect Vietnam’s street food culture and is a differentiated offering unique to GS25 Vietnam, not found in Korean GS25 stores.

The availability of dining spaces where customers can immediately enjoy freshly prepared K-food is also a key factor in the stores' popularity. GS25 locations range in size from 115 square meters (35 pyeong) up to 540 square meters (164 pyeong), allowing them to serve not only as convenience stores but also as restaurants and cafes.

The 'K-Beauty Concept Store' is also enjoying high popularity. These stores are equipped with dedicated displays for well-known Korean cosmetics brands among local consumers, such as Dr.G, Rom&nd, and Round Lab. Popular products showcased include sheet masks, soothing gels, and lip tints.

GS25 also operates the 'Wine25 Concept Store,' leveraging its strength in alcoholic beverages. More than 600 products are sold, including Korean-style fruit soju, wine, and whiskey. At the 'Cafe25 Concept Store,' customers can choose from over 35 types of drinks and a variety of bakery and cafe menu items.

Oh Dongil, Merchandising Director of GS25 Vietnam, said, "GS25 was able to achieve the milestone of its 50th store in Hanoi and 400th store in Vietnam simultaneously thanks to a differentiated localization strategy unique to Vietnam. We will continue to grow as Vietnam's leading K-convenience store by pursuing a balanced expansion strategy connecting the south and north."

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