Office and Residential Area Commercial Sales 'Surge'
Launch of Cost-Effective and Unique Lunchboxes Also
[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Since the implementation of Level 4 social distancing measures, sales of lunchboxes at major convenience stores have significantly increased. In particular, single-person households and office workers are increasingly using convenience store lunchboxes instead of dining at restaurants near their homes or workplaces.
According to the convenience store industry on the 3rd, CU saw a 7.8% increase in lunchbox sales from the 12th of last month to the 1st of this month compared to the previous month. GS25 experienced a 15.1% increase, Seven Eleven saw a 10.7% rise, and Emart24's sales grew by 20%.
Lunchbox sales increased significantly mainly in stores located in office districts and residential areas. CU's sales rose by 14.1% in office districts and 6.1% in residential areas. GS25 saw a sharp increase of 18.1% in office districts and 27.4% in residential areas. Seven Eleven's sales increased by 23.8% in office districts and 16.4% in residential areas, while Emart24 experienced a 23% rise in office districts and 22% in residential areas.
The social distancing boom has also led to a flood of new lunchbox products. Seven Eleven launched a value-for-money lunchbox priced in the 2,000 KRW range. The ultra-low-priced ‘Idalla Lunchbox’ is simply composed of white rice, the most popular side dishes?Vienna sausages and stir-fried kimchi. This was created considering that many customers purchase cup noodles or instant soups along with lunchboxes, and it is currently the cheapest lunchbox among all convenience stores.
Emart24 introduced a unique lunchbox in line with the investment craze. Emart24 partnered with Hana Financial Investment to sell a 'Stock Lunchbox' that includes one share of stock. This lunchbox was first launched on the 11th of last month and became so popular that orders had to be suspended just two days after its release. After securing additional stock, sales resumed. The Stock Lunchbox includes a coupon that randomly grants one share from nine companies such as Naver, Hyundai Motor, and Samsung Electronics. Sales will automatically end once all 20,000 shares prepared are sold out.
Marketing for convenience store lunchboxes is also heating up. CU is offering a 30% discount on all lunchbox items when paid with a Post Office Card this month, and from the 9th to the 15th, a 60% cashback event on six items including the 12-side dish full lunchbox will be held when paid with an NongHyup Card. GS25 will hold a 60% discount event on all lunchbox items for one week starting from the 9th when paid with promotional cards.
Seven Eleven launched a ‘Team Leader Treats a Meal Day’ mobile application (app) event targeting the metropolitan area this month and introduced a ‘Comfort Lunchbox Set’ pre-order service. The lunchbox set products include three types: Mushroom Beef Bulgogi Lunchbox Set, Charcoal Grilled Chicken Lunchbox Set, and Tofu Table Lunchbox Set. Five of the same sets are bundled into one package, and if paid using the simple payment service L.Pay, customers can purchase them at a 30% discounted price.
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