[Report] Visiting GS25's Cookat Specialized Store... "2030 Generation Goes to Convenience Stores for Grocery Shopping"

80-pyeong Size, 4 Times Larger Than a Typical Convenience Store
Frozen and Refrigerated Ready Meals Sales 54 Times Higher
80 Types of Cookat Products Plus Fresh Foods

On the afternoon of the 18th, the GS25 Sillim Nanwoo store, a specialized Cucat store, is located in Gwanak-gu, Seoul.

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] "I heard that a Coupang specialized convenience store opened near my house, so I came to visit. There are many different food items, so I think I will come often."

On the afternoon of the 18th, Mr. Lee, whom we met at the GS25 Sillim Nanwoo branch in Gwanak-gu, Seoul, said, "Besides Coupang, there are more products like fruits, vegetables, pasta, and alcohol than at neighborhood marts," adding, "I think I can stop by here on my way home from work to do my shopping."

This store is a themed convenience store focusing on specialized products for single-person households, such as Coupang. The store size is 264㎡ (80 pyeong), about four times larger than a typical convenience store. At the entrance, a Coupang cat character as big as an adult man welcomes customers. This sculpture is popular with children and even serves as a photo zone. Upon entering the store, the Coupang Market frozen display immediately caught the eye. About 80 types of frozen and room-temperature products, including Coupang glutinous rice cakes, fried rice, and dumplings, which have been trending on social media (SNS), were being sold.

A store official said, "After 10 p.m., people in their 20s and 30s come to buy Coupang products a lot," adding, "I was surprised to hear that not only local residents but also some people come from far away on purpose." In fact, sales of frozen and refrigerated ready meals here are 54 times higher than those of regular stores, with Coupang products accounting for 80% of that sales share.

On the afternoon of the 18th, a customer is purchasing a Cookat product at GS25 Sillim Nanwoo Branch in Gwanak-gu, Seoul.

Various fresh foods such as vegetables, fruits, and meat, targeting convenience store grocery shopping demand, also stood out. As a result, fresh food sales are about 11 times higher than those of regular stores. The liquor corner handles more than 300 types of whiskey, wine, and other spirits, with wines well organized by country. A spacious dining area was also created for elementary and high school students near the convenience store. There are 7 tables and 28 chairs arranged. High school student Choi said, "After school, I often come to the convenience store with my friends," and praised, "It’s wider than other convenience stores, so it’s nice to sit comfortably and eat."

GS25 plans to expand Coupang enhanced stores nationwide starting next month and increase the number of specialized stores to more than 10 by the end of the year. A GS Retail official said, "Coupang products, which have been very popular mainly online, are also showing good responses in the convenience store channel," adding, "We will continue to expand in offline channels as well."