With over 1 million attendees gathering for the '2026 Seoul World Fireworks Festival' held on the 5th, nearby convenience stores enjoyed festival-related sales boosts, with some seeing revenue rise by as much as 16 times.
According to the convenience store industry on the 6th, about 30 CU stores near Yeouido, Yongsan, and Banpo recorded sales increases of up to 1521.1% compared to the same day last year. Some stores within the festival's influence area saw visitor numbers surge by as much as 120 times at one point.
GS25 also reported that sales at seven stores in areas like Yeouido and Icheon-dong increased by up to 6.7 times. Around 20 Seven-Eleven stores near Yeouido Han River Park saw sales rise to a maximum of 15 times compared to the same day last year. E-Mart24 stores near Yeouido recorded an increase of approximately 950% based on the same benchmark.
Sales were particularly concentrated before the fireworks festival began. As spectators flocked to secure prime viewing spots, CU saw rapid sales growth after lunchtime, peaking at 6 p.m. Some stores recorded hourly sales between 6 and 7 p.m. reaching up to 200 times that of the same time last year. GS25 reported its highest sales occurred in the order of 6 p.m., 5 p.m., and 7 p.m., with more than half of the day's total sales generated between 5 and 7 p.m.
It was found that menus allowing for quick meals while waiting for the festival were especially popular. CU's lunch box sales increased by 579.3 times compared to the same day last year. Hot dogs and kimbap rose by 55.9 times and 52.1 times respectively, while instant noodles saw a 42.6-fold increase. Sales of desserts and snacks also grew by 68.2 times and 57.6 times respectively.
GS25 reported that ready-to-eat meals such as Gopizza and dakgangjeong increased by 192 times, while roasted sweet potatoes rose by 45 times. Seven-Eleven's ready-to-eat items like roasted sweet potatoes and chicken saw a 26-fold increase, while E-Mart24's snacks and instant noodles grew by 18 times and 17 times respectively.
With the festival moved about 20 days earlier than last year, there was also a noticeable increase in cold beverages and ice sales. CU's cup ice and bottled water sales increased by 110.2 times and 71.1 times respectively. GS25 saw ion drinks rise by 38 times, ice cups by 36 times, and domestic beer by 21 times. E-Mart24 reported beer sales increasing 35-fold, with bottled water and ice rising by 24 times and 23 times respectively. Seven-Eleven's highball and traditional liquor sales increased by 22 times and 20 times respectively.
Products needed while waiting for the event outdoors for extended periods also gained popularity. At CU, umbrella sales for blocking sunlight surged by 420.5 times, while portable batteries and picnic mats increased by 99.3 times and 51.7 times respectively. GS25 saw picnic mats and power banks rise by 42 times and 30 times respectively. Seven-Eleven reported outdoor gear like picnic mats and knee blankets increasing by 52 times, with Daejeon-brand rechargeable batteries and related accessories rising by 33 times. E-Mart24 also recorded increases of 48 times for wet wipes and 23 times for Daejeon-brand rechargeable batteries.
The pre-party event held for the first time this year also impacted sales. From 8 p.m. on the 4th, a drone show and fireworks display were held near Wonhyo Bridge and Yeouido Water Light Plaza for about 30 minutes, causing CU-related store sales to increase by up to six times compared to the same day last year. A BGF Retail official stated, "Tourists flocked to enjoy the Seoul World Fireworks Festival this year as well, significantly boosting nearby convenience store sales," and added, "We will continue to implement on-site tailored operations in the future."
in LIVING
