GS25 ranks tops in convenience store survey
Published: 17 Aug. 2016, 20:46
GS25 has been rated with the highest customer satisfaction, the Korea Consumer Agency said Wednesday.
The agency surveyed 1,200 users of convenience stores, 300 users each by four chains in the nation recognized by the Fair Trade Commission as raking in the most revenue: GS25, CU, 7-Eleven and Ministop; and had them rate each store chain on a scale of one to five.
GS25 received the highest ratings, an average of 3.68 out of five in four categories of assessment. 7-Eleven was rated lowest with 3.58 points and it topped none of the four categories.
Product display and quality customer service was the biggest contributor to GS25’s favorable assessment. It also received the highest points for product variation and prices.
While BGF Retail’s CU stores tied for second with 3.64 points, it was most praised for its store location and management.
Ministop tied with CU as customers said the chain provided the best customer experience during their visits.
As popularity for convenience stores surges in the nation, these companies have been releasing their own branded products to attract new business.
“Customers overall were satisfied with the price, quality, designs and packaging of the private branded goods but gave relatively less points on product diversity,” the consumer agency said in a statement. “Customers are looking forward to diverse options offered by convenience store chain brands.”
GS25 ranked top followed by Ministop and CU for diversity of private brands.
“With growing demands of customers, our store chain is gradually expanding the range of private brand products from just snacks to simple household items and fresh foods,” a spokesperson from GS Retail said. “We plan to further ramp up private branded products in steps.”
In the survey, 56.5 percent of respondents said they have purchased private branded products. GS25 launched its integrated private brand YOU US in February while CU launched its HEYROO brand in January.
Convenience stores are the most popular franchise, accounting for 15.8 percent of all franchises operating in the country, according to a study by Statistics Korea. Many retirees start chicken franchises or convenience stores.
BY KIM JEE-HEE [kim.jeehee@joongang.co.kr]
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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