GS Retail, which operates the convenience store GS25, announced on the 16th that it will open its first store in Hanoi, Vietnam, marking its official advance into the northern region after seven years of entering the market.
According to GS25 on that day, six stores were simultaneously opened in the Ba Dinh, Hoan Kiem, Dong Da, and Cau Giay areas of Hanoi on the 14th. To enhance local attention and brand influence following its first entry into northern Vietnam, stores were placed primarily in high-purchasing power tourist areas and office business districts.
All six stores are operated in large sizes, ranging from 115㎡ (35 pyeong) to a maximum of 540㎡ (164 pyeong), applying unique concepts tailored to the characteristics of each local business area, including traditional Vietnamese styles, libraries, ramen and alcohol specialties, and fresh food enhancements.
Since opening its first store in Ho Chi Minh City, Southern Vietnam, in January 2018, GS25 has rapidly grown with a differentiated food strategy that combines local food culture with K-food. It has since expanded into nearby areas, such as Binh Duong, Dong Nai, and Vung Tau, establishing itself as a leading convenience store that operates over 350 stores in southern Vietnam, surpassing competitors like Circle K (U.S.) and FamilyMart (Japan).
GS25 plans to open 40 more stores in the northern region this year, with a goal of gradually expanding to 500 stores nationwide by the end of this year and to 700 stores by 2027.
Lee Seong-hwa, head of the new business division at GS Retail, noted, "Entering Hanoi is a significant turning point in the process of expanding across Vietnam," adding, "We aim to leverage our differentiated brand value of GS25, starting from Hanoi, to grow into a representative convenience store brand in Vietnam."