[Edaily Reporter KIM JUNG YOU ] BGF Retail(282330)announced on the 22nd that its convenience store chain, CU, is taking proactive measures in response to the earlier-than-usual peak summer season, including increasing product inventory at stores near beaches by up to five times.

According to CU, from the 13th to the 19th—when daytime temperatures exceeded 30 degrees—sales at stores located in major beach areas such as Haeundae, Gwang-an, Gangneung, Sokcho, Yangyang, and Boryung increased by 30.8% compared to the same period last year.

Sales of summer-season items at these stores—including tea beverages (58.0%), iced drinks (54.2%), bottled water (51.2%), carbonated beverages (50.1%), ice (35.2%), and premium ice cream (35.0%)—also rose significantly.

In addition, beach-specific items such as picnic mats (270.5%), inflatable tubes (150.0%), and swimming accessories (131.5%) also showed high sales growth rates. Items suitable for a quick snack after swimming—such as gimbap (70.4%), rice balls (45.8%), bread (43.0%), and sandwiches (36.8%)—also sold well.

Camping-related products also saw significant growth, including camping gear (408.3%), processed meats (46.0%), fruits and vegetables (43.9%), hangover remedies (43.1%), and beer (28.2%).

In response to this trend, CU is working to secure up to five times more inventory, focusing on stores located near beaches. The company has also decided to create dedicated sections by strategically placing popular items at the front of the store.

For example, these include zones such as the “Check-in Zone Before Heading to Your Accommodation,” “Tonight’s Recommended Snacks Zone,” “Emergency Battery Charging Zone,” and “Rainy Day Preparedness Zone.”

Lee Kyung-ha, Head of the Sales Planning Team at BGF Retail, said, “We’ve observed that beachfront locations are attracting many foreign tourists recently, so we’re expanding our selection of products representative of K-convenience stores, such as desserts, instant noodles, and ready-to-eat meals.” He added, “Going forward, CU will continue to implement smart strategies to provide customers with the products they need most at the right time and place, thereby enhancing both shopping convenience and sales efficiency.”