CU Surpasses 600 Stores in Mongolia... First Korean Retailer to Reach '600 Stores in a Single Overseas Market'

A Landmark Achievement Eight Years After Entering Mongolia

Establishing CU as the Leading Convenience Store Brand

Introducing an Eco-Friendly Lifestyle Platform with Solar Power, EV Charging, and Shower Facilities

CU, the convenience store chain operated by BGF Retail, has become the first in the Korean retail industry to surpass 600 stores in a single overseas market. This milestone comes approximately eight years after CU made its debut in Mongolia in 2018, marking the first entry by a Korean convenience store brand into the country.

On June 26, CU held a grand opening ceremony for its 'Hotagun Durdsom Branch' in Bulgan Province, Mongolia, officially ushering in the era of 600 CU stores in the country, the company announced on July 9. The store is a roadside location spanning about 85 pyeong (approximately 280 square meters), situated about 600 kilometers from the capital city of Ulaanbaatar. The main target customers are tourists and long-distance truck drivers.

Jinyoung Ho, Head of Overseas Business Division (right), and Adilbish, Chairman of Premium Nexus Group Nursing Pharmacy, are taking a commemorative photo at the opening ceremony of CU Mongolia’s 600th store. Photo by BGF Retail

The Hotagun Durdsom Branch is notable for offering shower facilities catering to its primary clientele of long-distance travelers and drivers, in addition to the typical convenience store products. Notably, it is the first convenience store in Mongolia to introduce solar power systems and an electric vehicle charging station. The store also features a dedicated section for selling local agricultural produce, embodying a 'Green Station' concept that pursues both environmental sustainability and mutual growth with the local community.

With the opening of its 600th store, CU plans to strengthen its position as a lifestyle platform that goes beyond simply selling products. The Mongolian government has also reportedly expressed its intention to use this eco-friendly store model as the new standard for retail outlets in the future.

CU's business in Mongolia has shown steady growth. Starting with 21 stores in 2018, the number increased to 441 by 2024, 541 last year, and surpassed 600 as of June. The brand has now expanded its presence to 16 regions across Mongolia, including Ulaanbaatar.

CU's locally tailored strategy has produced tangible results. The company has established ready-to-eat food production facilities and logistics centers, and introduced a Korean-style digital logistics system. CU also leads local consumption trends with products such as 'get coffee', K-food, and K-beauty items, while enhancing its competitiveness through commercialization of Mongolian traditional cuisine and operating K-beauty specialty stores.

The exterior view of Hotak-undur Sum branch, the 600th CU convenience store in Mongolia operated by BGF Retail. Provided by BGF Retail

Jinyoungho, Head of Product and Overseas Business Division at BGF Retail, stated, "CU has established itself in Mongolia not just as a convenience store, but as a lifestyle platform that transforms customers' daily lives and culture. We will continue to lead the future of Mongolia's retail market through food innovation, eco-friendly infrastructure, and mutual growth with the local community."

As of now, CU operates more than 800 overseas stores, including 603 in Mongolia, 184 in Malaysia, 65 in Kazakhstan, and 3 in Hawaii.

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