During the scorching heat and torrential rains that dominated July and August, convenience store quick commerce sales surged sharply. By expanding quick commerce service channels to improve customer accessibility, the industry absorbed demand for nearby shopping even under adverse weather conditions. The convenience store sector plans to maintain this upward trend in quick commerce sales through the upcoming autumn season.
According to the retail industry on the 1st, major convenience stores including GS25, CU, Seven-Eleven, and E-Mart24 recorded significant year-on-year growth in quick commerce sales from July through August 24. CU's sales jumped by 205.8%, while E-Mart24 (182%), Seven-Eleven (150%), and GS25 (74.9%) all posted strong sales growth.
The convenience store industry is typically highly affected by weather conditions, as inclement weather reduces foot traffic and negatively impacts offline store sales. In fact, July and August saw near-40-degree heatwaves followed by localized heavy rains, raising concerns about weak performance during the peak season; however, quick commerce services offset these challenges.
The core driver of quick commerce growth has been the expansion of customer touchpoints. Strategies that integrated not only proprietary apps but also delivery platforms such as Baemin, Yogiyo, and Coupang Eats enabled consumers to easily access convenience store deliveries anytime and anywhere. This approach overcame time constraints through a dense nationwide store network and expanded 24-hour delivery services.
By product category, quick commerce sales surged primarily around food items. Growth was particularly notable for products ready for immediate consumption, including snacks, beverages, bento boxes, general groceries, instant meals, and ramen. Dairy products such as refrigerated coffee and milk also emerged as popular items.
The convenience store industry is actively developing strategies to sustain quick commerce momentum through autumn. Plans include significantly expanding product assortments beyond instant meals and fresh foods to fashion, beauty products, and pet supplies to secure nearby shopping demand. Additionally, retailers are accelerating efforts to acquire new quick commerce users through promotions such as free delivery for purchases above a certain amount, first-purchase discounts, and collaborative campaigns with delivery platforms.
An industry representative stated, "There has been a noticeable increase in customers choosing quick commerce over visiting stores directly during unfavorable weather conditions." They added, "Quick commerce leverages existing offline store infrastructure to generate additional profitability, so we will continue to focus on securing competitiveness going forward."
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