Convenience Store Ice Products Sales Up, Including Ice Cups
Air Conditioner Cleaning Service 2.5 Times Higher Than Last Year
As daytime temperatures rise to the mid-20s Celsius, the early heatwave is causing a surge in demand for summer products. Convenience stores have seen a significant increase in sales of ice products such as ice cups, and home appliance retailers have reported more requests for air conditioner cleaning services than in previous years.
According to industry sources on the 9th, all four major convenience store chains have experienced a sharp increase in demand for ice products this month. At GS25, operated by GS Retail, ice cream sales increased by 38% compared to the same period last month. Additionally, ice cup sales rose by 84%, iced beverages by 116%, and iced brewed coffee menu items by 95%. Compared to the previous year, ice cream sales increased by 12.5%, ice cups by 24.3%, iced beverages by 13.3%, and iced brewed coffee menu items by 15.9%. A GS Retail representative explained, "Unlike early March when the highest temperature was in the low teens, temperatures have risen by about 10 degrees this month, leading to a rapid shift in purchases toward ice products."
At CU, operated by BGF Retail, ice products are also selling like hotcakes. Ice cream sales increased by 43% compared to the previous month. Pouch beverages showed an impressive 131% sales growth, while ice cups and iced instant coffee grew by 84.9% and 87.1%, respectively. Korea Seven’s convenience store 7-Eleven also saw a significant jump in summer-related product sales. Compared to the same period last month, ice cream sales rose by 80%, 7-Eleven caf? iced drinks by 120%, ice cups by 130%, and pouch beverages by 140%. Emart24 recorded a 153% increase in pouch beverage sales, indicating a sharp rise in consumers seeking ice products this month. An industry insider said, "With daytime temperatures exceeding 20 degrees and a surge in visitors during the spring flower blooming season, more customers are seeking refreshing ice cream, ice, and beverages."
The convenience store industry expects the sales boom for ice products to accelerate further as the full heatwave begins. In response, they are stocking up on key products and preparing promotions such as buy-one-get-one-free offers on ice cups and iced coffee.
In the home appliance retail sector, demand for air conditioner cleaning services is increasing. As the air conditioner usage period is expected to start earlier, more consumers are opting to have their air conditioners cleaned in advance. Lotte Hi-Mart reported that the number of air conditioner cleaning service requests received from the 1st to the 7th of this month was 2.5 times higher than during the same period last year. Notably, the number of requests was seven times higher than during the previous week, which had rain forecasts. Considering this demand, Lotte Hi-Mart is offering up to a 15% discount on air conditioner cleaning services until the 30th. A Lotte Hi-Mart representative explained, "Cleaning services are more convenient in April because you can receive service immediately without waiting, unlike the peak demand period from May to August."
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