"Supporting Convenience Store Access for Mobility-Impaired Customers"... CU Introduces 'Help Bell QR Service'

Scan the QR Code at the Entrance with a Smartphone

Instant Notification Sent to Staff Devices and POS Systems

Overcoming the Limitations of Traditional Physical Call Bells

Installed at Over 18,000 Stores Nationwide

BGF Retail announced on June 23 that CU, its convenience store chain, will introduce the "Help Bell QR Service for Mobility-Impaired Customers" at approximately 18,000 stores nationwide to enhance accessibility for people with disabilities, seniors, and other individuals with mobility challenges.

CU Help Bell QR Service (AI-generated image). Provided by BGF Retail

This service allows customers who need assistance entering the store to scan a QR code attached to the entrance door with their smartphone and request support from store staff. By upgrading the traditional physical call bell to a digital format, BGF Retail has improved its convenience and made it accessible at any location nationwide.

When a customer requests help via the QR code, a notification is immediately sent to the store employee’s dedicated device and POS system. The staff member then assists the customer at the entrance, and if wheelchair access is difficult due to the store’s layout, the employee checks and delivers the desired products on behalf of the customer, supporting their shopping experience.

CU has continually engaged in a variety of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives to improve convenience store shopping for customers with disabilities. Since July of last year, CU has collaborated with social venture Tuat to develop "CU Mode," a convenience store shopping support service within the AI-based visual assistance app "Sullivan Plus." This service enhances the shopping experience for visually impaired and low-vision customers by using voice guidance to relay product names, prices, and "+1" promotional information when the price tag or barcode is scanned.

CU is also working with the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Korea Disabled People’s Development Institute to promote convenience store businesses for people with disabilities. Currently, stores are being operated in Jeju, Pyeongchang, Busan, and Seongnam to help create stable jobs and support the independence of people with severe disabilities.

Park Jongsung, Head of Communications at BGF Retail, stated, "Since convenience stores are a retail channel closely connected to daily life, we are continuously improving our services to accommodate the needs of a diverse customer base." He added, "We will continue to expand services that reduce everyday inconveniences and enhance customer convenience by listening to feedback from the field."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.