BGF Retail, which operates the convenience store CU, announced on the 3rd that it will hold a promotional event this August, offering discounts on over 700 types of beverages.
CU plans to conduct promotions on over 280 types of 1+1 (one plus one), 270 types of 2+1 (two plus one), and around 150 types of discounts and giveaways, covering all beverage categories. This is a 25% increase compared to the number of promotional items during the same period last year.
The reason for planning such a large-scale beverage event is that the revenue share of beverage products in August, which falls within the year, has been increasing annually. CU's beverage revenue share rose from 9.5% in 2020 to 10.9% last year.
As the heatwave continues, the government's people's livelihood recovery consumption coupons have been distributed, resulting in beverage sales from the 22nd to the 31st of last month increasing by 40.2% compared to the same weekday of the previous month (from June 24 to July 3). Among these, functional health drinks, including ion drinks and energy drinks, showed the highest sales growth rate at 36.8%. Following that, iced drinks enjoyed with cup ice increased by 36.5%, and bottled water rose by 30.6%.
Considering this, CU plans to conduct a 1+1 event on 16 representative ion drinks, including Gatorade, Toreta, and Powerade. Additionally, customers will receive a 20% extra discount when paying with Kakao Pay money or affiliated cards.
Twenty types of energy drinks, including Hot Six and Arpoten, will also be sold as 1+1 or 2+1 promotions. If paid for with Naver Pay points or money, or affiliated cards, a cup of ice will be provided with the 500ml energy drink products. Two types of Mixpresso (chocolate and milk) will be available for 2,000 won, discounted by 45% from the original price when paid with affiliated cards.
Customers who purchase combo products such as 880 milk, Chocoemong, Seoul Milk, and Daily Cafe Latte, which taste better when mixed into frappés, will receive a discount of up to 900 won. Additionally, every Friday, a special price of 700 won will be offered to Naver Plus Membership members linked to CU membership for 19 types of carbonated drinks.
So Byeong-nam, the head of the beverage team at BGF Retail, said, 'Due to the hot weather and the impact of consumption coupons, beverage sales have surged recently, and we aim to provide refreshing additional benefits to customers.' He added that 'in the future, we will help customers shop smartly with tailored benefits reflecting seasonal consumption trends and customer demands.'