With Social Distancing Eased... Convenience Stores See Surge in Subscription Service Users

CU Operates 20 Types of Kudok Coupons
GS25 Expands Subscription Subscribers by 230%
7-Eleven Offers Item-Specific Discount Service
Emart24 Sells with Up to 37% Discount

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] As social distancing measures have been eased and foot traffic has increased, the number of convenience store subscription service users has surged. This is because more people have started attending school and going to work since last month, leading to an increase in those looking to purchase lunch boxes, coffee, and other items at discounted prices.

According to CU on the 11th, the number of subscription service uses increased by 19.1% from the same period last month, from the 1st of last month to the 6th of this month. CU operates over 20 subscription coupons for items such as freshly brewed coffee, salads, lunch boxes, and gimbap, allowing customers to purchase these products at up to 30% off. Recently, in addition to fixed items, they have introduced limited-time monthly subscription coupons for items like jelly, ion drinks, vegetarian ready meals, and non-alcoholic beer. They plan to expand the variety of subscription coupons based on future sales data.

At GS25, the number of subscription service subscribers increased by 230%. GS25 sells the subscription service "The Pop Plus" through its dedicated application (app) "The Pop." The Pop Plus is a service where users pay a monthly fee of 2,000 to 3,000 KRW and receive a 20-25% discount on products within their chosen category for a month. The Han-kki Plus offers a 20% discount, while Cafe25 Plus and Sanitary Pad Plus provide a 25% discount.

At 7-Eleven, subscription service sales increased approximately fourfold. The Seven Cafe discount subscription allows customers to purchase coffee up to 15 times a month at a 30% discounted price. The lunch box discount subscription offers up to 5 purchases per month at a 30% discount, and the wine discount subscription allows up to 3 purchases at a 10% discount. There is also a subscription ticket that offers a 20% discount on CJ brand products such as cup meals and soup dishes for a total of 30 times.

At Emart24, the number of users of the discount subscription service increased about 2.4 times. Currently, discount subscription services for instant coffee, ice cups, bananas, triangular gimbap, and lunch boxes are sold at up to 37% off the regular price. The best-selling discount subscription products were ranked first as Ifresso Coffee, second as bananas, and third as triangular gimbap.

A convenience store industry official said, "Subscription services created for regular customers who purchase convenience store products regularly are also gaining popularity among thrifty consumers aiming for 'jjantech' (frugal tech)." They added, "As the atmosphere of returning to daily life continues, interest in subscription services is expected to increase further."