BGF Retail, which operates the convenience store CU, announced on the 27th that it has opened the fourth store for people with disabilities (CU Korea International Cooperation Agency store) at the headquarters of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, to support the independence and social participation of individuals with disabilities.
According to BGF Retail, five severely disabled employees will work in shifts at this store, handling tasks such as transporting and displaying products. Assistance bells have been placed throughout the store entrance and interior, and braille signage has been installed. Additionally, the threshold at the entrance has been removed, and the counter and tasting area have been adjusted to a lower height suitable for wheelchair users.
BGF Retail and the Korea Disabled People's Development Institute (KODDI) will support the smooth operation of the disability-friendly convenience store by waiving franchise fees, providing interior support, offering jobs for people with disabilities, and preferential revenue sharing. Previously, in August of last year, BGF Retail opened its first disability-friendly convenience store, CU Jeju Honnirum Teo. In October of the same year, it opened its second store, CU National Pyeongchang Youth Training Center, and in November, the third store, CU Busan Global Tech.
Min Seung-bae, CEO of BGF Retail, said, "The disability-friendly convenience store is establishing itself as a hopeful workplace where severely disabled individuals are respected as members of society and can work happily," adding, "In the future, CU will continue to practice ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) activities to contribute to creating a 'barrier-free' society."