Value-for-Money Gift Sets Under 50,000 Won 'Strong'
Emart24 Sells BMW Worth 67.4 Million Won
GS25 Gold Bar Sales Surpass 300 Million Won
Convenience stores are emerging as popular places to purchase Lunar New Year gifts. This year, amid weakened consumer sentiment, cost-effective (price-performance) products are gaining popularity, and unique gifts such as imported cars and gold bars have been sold, attracting attention.
According to CU on the 21st, sales of Lunar New Year gift sets from the 4th to the 17th of this month increased by 15.7% compared to the previous year. During the same period, GS25 sales rose by 42.7%, Seven Eleven by 15%, and Emart24 by 37%. In particular, affordable gift sets showed strong performance. At CU, sales growth rates were 13.2% for under 50,000 won, 10.9% for 50,000 to under 100,000 won, and 6.2% for 100,000 to under 300,000 won. At GS25, growth rates for low-priced products were high, with 172% for under 50,000 won, 47% for 50,000 to under 100,000 won, 21% for 100,000 to under 200,000 won, and 9% for over 200,000 won.
Convenience stores have expanded the variety and quantity of cost-effective gift set items. CU increased the number of practical products under 100,000 won by 40 types compared to last year. At GS25, customers can find a variety of products such as Korean beef, fruits, seafood, canned goods, and shampoo. Seven Eleven offered various character-themed products at affordable prices, and Emart24 introduced pet supplies and home cleaning service vouchers.
This year’s ultra-premium products sold include imported cars, gold bars, and wine. Emart24 sold a ‘BMW 520i MSP’ worth approximately 67.4 million won. The buyer was a man in his 30s from the Seoul area. Currently, four more customers are in consultation for purchase. GS25 launched golden rabbit gold bars weighing 37.5g and golden rabbit coins weighing 37.5g to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit, achieving sales close to 300 million won. At CU, wines and whiskeys priced over 300,000 won and electronic and home appliances over 1 million won are popular, while Seven Eleven sold two high-end strollers priced around 1.7 million won each and five bottles of wine priced between 1.4 and 1.7 million won.
An industry official from the convenience store sector said, “We have prepared a variety of premium products for customers who want to prepare luxurious gifts for their family and acquaintances,” adding, “We plan to continuously offer differentiated products that can appeal to customers in the future.”
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