Courtesy of BGF Retail
SEOUL, July 9 (AJP) - Convenience store chain CU has opened its 600th store in Mongolia, about eight years after entering the market, BGF Retail, which operates CU, said on Thursday.
The 600th store, located in Bulgan province about 600 kilometers west of Ulaanbaatar, opened on June 26. Spanning about 281 square meters, it targets tourists and long-haul transport drivers.
Unlike typical convenience stores, the store offers shower facilities for travelers, following a similar strategy to installing public restrooms at other CU stores. The move has received positive responses from locals in a country with limited social infrastructure.
CU made inroads into Mongolia in 2018 after signing a franchise agreement with Mongolian retailer Premium Nexus Group, becoming the first South Korean convenience store brand to enter the market.
The number of its outlets grew from 56 in 2019 to 541 last year, surpassing 600 last month.
CU adapted to the local market by selling popular Mongolian foods - like buuz (steamed buns) and khuushuur (fried dumplings) alongside traditional South Korean foods. It also operates about 50 specialty stores featuring South Korean cosmetics and beauty products, where customers can try them.
Jin Young-ho, head of CU's overseas business, said the opening of its 600th store will help strengthen CU's position as a "lifestyle platform" in the steppe nation.
Meanwhile, CU also opened its first store in Hawaii in November last year, with plans to open more stores in major tourist spots and upscale residential neighborhoods on the resort island.
The 600th store, located in Bulgan province about 600 kilometers west of Ulaanbaatar, opened on June 26. Spanning about 281 square meters, it targets tourists and long-haul transport drivers.
Unlike typical convenience stores, the store offers shower facilities for travelers, following a similar strategy to installing public restrooms at other CU stores. The move has received positive responses from locals in a country with limited social infrastructure.
CU made inroads into Mongolia in 2018 after signing a franchise agreement with Mongolian retailer Premium Nexus Group, becoming the first South Korean convenience store brand to enter the market.
The number of its outlets grew from 56 in 2019 to 541 last year, surpassing 600 last month.
CU adapted to the local market by selling popular Mongolian foods - like buuz (steamed buns) and khuushuur (fried dumplings) alongside traditional South Korean foods. It also operates about 50 specialty stores featuring South Korean cosmetics and beauty products, where customers can try them.
Jin Young-ho, head of CU's overseas business, said the opening of its 600th store will help strengthen CU's position as a "lifestyle platform" in the steppe nation.
Meanwhile, CU also opened its first store in Hawaii in November last year, with plans to open more stores in major tourist spots and upscale residential neighborhoods on the resort island.
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