CU’s mobile stores gain popularity amid rise in local festivals

[Courtesy of BGF Retail Co.]

Following the resumption of local festivals and sports leagues after the Covid-19 pandemic, CU’s mobile convenience store operations for the first four months of this year have expanded by twofold compared to the same period last year.

According to industry sources on Wednesday, the number of dispatches of CU’s mobile convenience stores increased to 24, which is 2.4 times higher than the same period a year ago.

It is expected to surpass last year’s annual dispatch count of 30 within this month, given the upcoming events such as Children’s Day festivals, Air Force air shows, Gyeongju Culture and Arts Festival, and professional golf events.

The events highlight a total of 8 locations where the mobile convenience stores are scheduled to operate.

Mobile convenience stores, created by specially modifying 3.5-ton cargo trucks, offer convenience by bringing goods to customers wherever they are.

CU introduced the industry’s first mobile convenience store in 2009 and currently operates two trucks.

The increase in dispatches is driven by growing demand from event organizers at local festivals and sports stadiums where convenience facilities are lacking.

In March, mobile convenience stores garnered positive responses from spectators at the Mokdong Stadium during K League 2 matches.

Starting this year, BGF Retail Co., the operator of CU, has designated mobile convenience stores as part of its new business initiative called “Retail Tech” and has begun strengthening its operations.

Adding “other non-store retail businesses” to its corporate objectives at the shareholders’ meeting in March was a preparatory step for this move.

“To enhance the competitiveness of convenience stores, we will actively seek out new and unique store concepts,” said BGF Retail CEO Min Seung-bae.

CU’s mobile convenience stores have also played a role as a disaster relief platform during national emergencies.

They provided emergency relief supplies to disaster victims, firefighters, and volunteers during the 2020 Gurye flood, the 2022 Uljin wildfire, and flood in Pohang.

CU has established a 24-hour hotline in collaboration with the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and the Korea Disaster Relief Association and operates BGF Bridge, which supports emergency relief activities such as wildfires and heavy rains.