During Seollal, Convenience Stores Serve as Pharmacies and Banks... "From Medicines to Cash Withdrawals"

CU, Last Year's Lunar New Year Pharmaceutical Sales Up 25.6%
Fever Relievers, Painkillers, and Digestive Aids Available for Purchase

A customer is using an ATM at GS25.
[Photo by GS Retail]

Recently, more people have been visiting convenience stores during the holiday periods when pharmacies and banks are closed.

According to industry sources on the 23rd, CU saw sales of over-the-counter medicines during last year's Lunar New Year and Chuseok increase by 25.6% and 63.1%, respectively, compared to the previous year. GS25 experienced increases of 25.6% and 63.1%, 7-Eleven saw rises of 25% and 80%, and Emart24 recorded growth of 50% and 14%. Each company has also sufficiently stocked fever reducers, digestive aids, and cold medicines this year to substitute for neighborhood pharmacies.

To accommodate those needing financial services, ATM inspections were completed in advance. During last year's Lunar New Year and Chuseok, ATM usage at CU increased by 17.3% and 15%, GS25 by 108.8% and 97.4%, and 7-Eleven by 15% and 50%, respectively.

A convenience store industry official stated, “In preparation for this year's Lunar New Year, we have stocked essential medicines and completed ATM inspections in advance,” adding, “We plan to reliably fulfill our social role as an emergency relief and urgent financial service platform for local communities even during the holidays.”