Which Chuseok Gifts Sell Well at Convenience Stores?

CU, Increase in Sales of High-End Electronics
Seven Eleven, Popularity of Health Products, High-End Golf Equipment, and Luxury Goods

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Hye-seon] What kind of Chuseok gifts sell well at convenience stores?

According to the convenience store industry on the 26th, high-priced electronic products have been popular as Chuseok gifts at CU. From the 1st to the 22nd of this month, sales in the digital electronics category increased by 360% compared to the same period last year, including a 1.49 million KRW Samsung double-door refrigerator, a 1.31 million KRW Samsung UHD TV, and a 1.28 million KRW Cosyma massage chair. Other products on sale include the Samsung AirDresser (1.65 million KRW), kimchi refrigerator (899,000 KRW), Philips espresso machine (700,000 KRW), Cuckoo IH electric pressure rice cooker for 6 people (354,900 KRW), and Cuckoo dishwasher (833,900 KRW).

CU explained, "Last Chuseok, digital electronics were mainly small appliances with about 10 products, but this year, the lineup has expanded to 32 products including Samsung, Xiaomi, Cuckoo, and Galaxy."

The reason CU is expanding digital electronics as holiday gifts is that more customers than expected are looking for electronic products. According to CU, during the Family Month event in May, about 100 units of the Cosyma massage chair (special price around 1.9 million KRW) were sold out through the membership app PocketCU. Recently, sales of Samsung dryers and washing machines targeted at VIP customers also exceeded the goals.

At 7-Eleven, total gift set sales increased by 18.2% compared to last year. Among them, sales of health and wellness-related gifts rose by 32.4%. More than 150 non-contact thermometers were sold. Sales of health-related items such as eye massagers and massage guns more than doubled. Golf equipment (drivers and iron sets) and luxury bags from Bottega Veneta and Gucci, introduced for the first time this year, sold over 90% of the prepared stock.

At GS25, Chuseok gift set sales grew by 18.5%. Traditionally popular spam and cooking oil sets were the best sellers. Sales of Korean beef and fruit sets also increased.