CU, operated by BGF Retail, announced on the 22nd that it will expand its value-for-money cosmetics lineup to include color cosmetics. This move appears to be part of efforts to strengthen its role as a beauty platform.
The color cosmetics exclusively launched by CU will be available on the 23rd. The products feature a convenient small pouch format that includes lip tints and lip gloss. All items are priced below 3,000 won.
The new products include three types of color cosmetics: ▲lip color tint in warm red ▲lip color tint in cool pink ▲transparent lip gloss and an all-in-one skin lotion. The lip tint is characterized by its tool, which is a stick type connected to the cap, making it easy to apply on the lips.
Previously, in September of last year, CU began targeting the value-for-money cosmetics market by launching three types of small-sized basic cosmetics (serum, glowing pack, moisturizing cream) in collaboration with the cosmetics brand Angel Luca. Cumulative sales of these products have now exceeded 30,000, and they are ranked 1st to 3rd in sales among the items.
Following the positive consumer response to value-for-money cosmetics, CU has also introduced three types of functional cosmetics: Cica specule ampoules and three types of hand cream. The specule products are cosmetics containing 'specules,' which are micro-needle-like ingredients that penetrate the skin to provide skin regeneration effects. According to CU, the sales growth rate of the specule ampoule in the past week has increased by 13.7% compared to the initial launch in November last year.
CU's enhancement of its small-sized cosmetics lineup is attributed to the steady increase in beauty-related cosmetic purchases at convenience stores. In reviewing CU's detailed sales rankings for beauty items, skin and lotion, classified as basic cosmetics, ranked 5th in overall cosmetics sales in 2020, but rose to 3rd place last year, following lip care and mask packs. Last year's sales growth rate for skin and lotion compared to the previous year was 29.7%, surpassing the overall cosmetics sales growth rate of 16.5%.
Choi Min-ji, a merchandise planner from BGF Retail's daily necessities team, said, 'The pattern of cosmetic purchases is shifting from urgent and one-time needs to purpose-driven purchases, so we plan to continuously expand our small-sized cosmetics lineup that captures both price and convenience.' She added, 'We will discover beauty products that reflect trends to establish ourselves as a competitive beauty platform.'