Easing of Social Distancing Boosts Cherry Blossom Demand... Convenience Store Hangover Relief Drink Sales Soar

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[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] As social distancing measures have been eased, leading to an increase in gatherings such as company dinners and flower viewing parties, sales of hangover relief drinks at convenience stores have also surged.

According to the industry on the 12th, from April 4 to 10, when the limit on the number of people allowed in multi-use facilities was relaxed from 8 to 10 and the operating hours extended from 11 PM to midnight, BGF Retail's sales of hangover relief drinks increased by 34.1% compared to the previous week. During the week from March 21, when the gathering limit was 8 people and the cutoff time was 11 PM, sales growth was 24.6% compared to the previous week. Sales of hangover relief drinks rose in proportion to the easing of social distancing. Other major convenience stores showed similar growth trends. GS Retail's sales of hangover relief drinks increased by 33% during the same period, and Seven Eleven also saw a 20% rise in sales of these drinks.

Fluctuations in convenience store hangover relief drink sales following changes in social distancing policies were also very evident last year. In February last year, when social distancing in the metropolitan area was eased to level 2, BGF Retail's sales of hangover relief drinks jumped 37.2% compared to the previous month. However, in July last year, when social distancing was raised to level 4 due to the fourth COVID-19 pandemic wave, sales actually decreased by 24.3% compared to the previous month.

An industry official analyzed, "With the easing of social distancing, company dinners and drinking gatherings increased, boosting sales of hangover relief drinks, and sales in amusement area commercial districts also rose due to more visitors. It is a time to expand products and inventory to meet the increased demand."

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