Beer Discount Event Sales 'Surge'
Budweiser Rises to Number 1
[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Office worker Mr. Lee heads to a convenience store every Friday after work. This is because the beer discount event is ongoing this month as well, following last month. Mr. Lee said, "The price of four cans of imported beer rose to 11,000 won this year, which was a burden," adding, "It is very good that the beer I usually enjoy is included in the discount event, allowing me to purchase it for 8,000 won."
With the summer beer peak season approaching, discounted beer is the trend at convenience stores. Recently, as grocery prices have risen sharply, more people are looking for cheaper beer. Each company is holding popular beer discount events every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to target consumers.
According to GS25 on the 22nd, total beer sales from the 1st to the 18th of this month increased by 10.9% compared to the same period last year. During the same period, sales at 7-Eleven rose by 10%, and at Emart24 by 13%. Especially during the Friday-Sunday discount event period, sales surged. At GS25, beer sales grew by 26.2% compared to the same period last year from the 12th to the 14th. At 7-Eleven, sales increased by 30%, and at Emart24 by 21%.
Looking at the imported beer sales rankings at GS25, Budweiser, Stella, and Hoegaarden, which ranked 4th to 6th in August last year, rose to 1st, 3rd, and 4th place respectively this month. These beers secured top positions by leveraging price competitiveness from the beer discount events. In particular, Budweiser surpassed Heineken, which had consistently held the top spot until now.
Discounted beers are also making strides at CU. Thanks to the 5 cans for 10,000 won discount event, Gom Pyo Wheat Beer jumped from 4th place last month to 2nd place this month. Budweiser, which was the representative event product last month, topped sales across both domestic and imported beers. At that time, customers who purchased more than 10 cans accounted for 55% of the total, resulting in a Budweiser sweep phenomenon.
Convenience stores continue to hold beer events every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. GS25 is selling Budweiser, Hoegaarden, Stella, and others at 8,000 won for 4 cans. CU is offering 16 types through the Beer Day event at 10,000 won for 5 cans. 7-Eleven sells 7 types of imported and craft beers at 8,000 won for 4 cans, and Emart24 offers 18 types at 9,000 won for 4 cans.
A convenience store industry official said, "We conduct special weekday events centered on popular beers to help customers shop economically and greatly contribute to store sales improvement," adding, "We plan to continue discount promotions focusing on product categories that meet seasonal customer demands."
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