CU to Open Entertainment-Focused Convenience Store... Hongdae 'Music Library'

Opening a Convenience Store Themed on K-pop Artists
Featuring Product and Entertainment Spaces
Displaying Idol Albums and Goods

CU, a convenience store operated by BGF Retail, announced on the 5th that it has opened the industry's first entertainment-specialized convenience store, 'Music Library' (CU AK & Hongdae Branch).

Opened on the 30th of last month, CU's Music Library is a renovated convenience store of an existing location, implementing the 'POP & FANCY' concept themed around K-pop artists.

CU Opens Entertainment-Focused Music Library. Provided by BGF Retail

Since last year, CU analyzed sales data from over 10 stores nationwide that sold artists' albums and merchandise, selecting this store located in Hongdae as the Music Library. This decision was based on the fact that album and merchandise sales here ranked first in cumulative sales, and Hongdae is recognized as the area with the highest visits from domestic Generation Z and foreign tourists.

The CU Music Library spans 81.53㎡ (approximately 30 pyeong), with the interior divided mainly into entertainment and product spaces. A large kinetic signage measuring about 6 meters wide and 2 meters high installed in the entertainment space broadcasts idol music videos. This signage consists of around 500 square-shaped blocks that add a three-dimensional effect.

On the walls, over 200 idol albums and merchandise are displayed on dedicated stands equipped with special lighting. A photo zone with mirrors is also set up to enhance visitors' enjoyment. The central circular display stand, equipped with sync box lighting, serves as an event corner selling unique idol merchandise.

The product space features around 700 popular items such as beverages and desserts, providing shopping convenience for customers. In the beverage and fresh food areas located on the walls, product categories are labeled in English to help foreign customers easily purchase items.

Outside the store, window graphic sheets featuring artists are attached to clearly showcase various currently sold K-pop contents, differentiating it from regular convenience stores.

Previously, CU has continuously introduced specialized convenience stores such as the Ramen Library (CU Hongdae Sangsang Branch) and Snack Library (CU T2 Incheon Airport Transportation Center Branch). In particular, the Ramen Library has received positive responses from domestic and international customers and is expanding beyond Seoul and the metropolitan area to franchise stores nationwide.

Hwang Hwan-jo, Head of Sales Development at BGF Retail, said, "As the entertainment industry and Korean convenience stores are attracting global attention, the Music Library, introduced for the first time in the industry, will be an opportunity for K-convenience stores to take a step forward. CU will continue to do its best to establish itself as a leading brand that sets the direction for the global convenience store industry."

CU Opens Entertainment-Specialized Music Library. Provided by BGF Retail