CU Strengthens Franchisee Support Plan... Up to 8.28 Million Won in Aid

Industry-Leading Return Cost Support of 1.02 Million Won Provided

CU, the convenience store operated by BGF Retail, announced on December 9 that it has established the "2026 Franchisee Win-Win Support Plan" aimed at substantially improving franchisees' profits and creating a stable store operation environment.

The newly established franchisee support plan is characterized by its detailed assistance throughout the entire process, from product introduction and sales to withdrawal, allowing franchisees to operate their stores without undue burden.

CU Franchisee Win-Win Agreement Signed. Provided by BGF Retail

First, the "New Product Introduction Support Fund," which previously provided up to 1.8 million won per year based on the new product introduction rate, will be increased to a maximum of 1.92 million won per year. The calculation will be based on both the overall new product introduction rate and the introduction rate for ready-to-eat meals and refrigerated desserts categories.

Additionally, the newly introduced "New Product Circulation Support Fund" will provide up to 360,000 won per year, depending on the rate at which the initial stock is sold out through sales, disposal, or withdrawal within approximately two months after a new product launch.

Through these measures, CU aims to quickly roll out differentiated new products in stores to attract more customers and increase sales, thereby reducing opportunity loss, while also enabling timely withdrawal of slow-moving products with low sales rates.

The "Disposal Support Fund System," which provides up to 6 million won per year, will further reduce the disposal burden on stores. When all support funds are combined, franchisees can receive up to 8.28 million won per year per store. Separately, CU also provides an industry-leading average of 1.02 million won per store annually for return costs. Stores with outstanding operational evaluations may receive additional benefits.

CU also operates the "Win-Win Cooperation Fund Interest Rate Support System" to reduce the financial burden on franchisees. This system, designed to help franchisees struggling with high interest rates, enables the headquarters to subsidize part of the loan interest, providing up to 2% annual interest support on loans of up to 100 million won.

In addition, CU offers franchisees the highest level of win-win and welfare programs in the franchise industry, including: free enrollment in seven types of insurance such as product liability and fire liability insurance; free consultations on labor, legal, and tax matters; benefits for long-term operation; support for family events; corporate welfare programs; and replacement of items covered under integrated maintenance management.

Son Jiuk, Head of Win-Win Cooperation at BGF Retail, stated, "CU's win-win support plan is not simply a cost subsidy but a substantial investment to strengthen store competitiveness," adding, "We will continue to expand support to help franchisees generate stable profits by enhancing product competitiveness and store operations, while pursuing sustainable win-win growth for both headquarters and franchisees."

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