Convenience Stores Target the Pet Economy... CU Expands Pet-Specialty Stores

Partnering with pet-specialty brand Amudo Eopgae... 77 products offered at 10 stores nationwide
Pet product sales rise for third straight year... expansion planned in regional commercial districts

CU, the convenience store chain operated by BGF Retail, is partnering with a pet shop brand to open stores specializing in pet products inside its convenience stores. With demand for pet supplies on the rise, the strategy is to expand the range of services offered by convenience stores by strengthening their selection of specialized products.

CU announced on October 27 that it has partnered with pet-specialty brand Amudo Eopgae to operate pet-specialty stores in a shop-in-shop format at 10 locations nationwide. Participating stores include Yeoksam Center, Myeongji Dream, Suseong Lake, and Busan Songdo Gana. The locations were selected mainly in commercial districts where demand is expected, such as near large apartment complexes, parks, and walking trails, based on existing sales of pet products and potential demand.

Amudo Eopgae is a pet shop franchise that sells treats, hygiene products, and toys for dogs and cats, operating around the clock with an unmanned system. CU stores will carry 77 products exclusive to the stores, including treats such as canned food, chew sticks, and cookies, as well as toys, pee pads, and tick-repellent walking spray. The stores are distinguished by an expanded selection that ranges from food to hygiene and walking supplies.

CU is expanding its pet product offerings because sales in the category have been steadily increasing. Sales of pet supplies at CU rose 23.9% in 2024 and 15.4% in 2025 year over year. They continued to grow this year, increasing 12.5% in January-September compared with the same period a year earlier.

Through partnerships with specialized brands, CU plans to expand its product selection. Given that pet-specialty stores are concentrated in the Seoul metropolitan area, it also aims to make related products more accessible in major commercial districts in other regions. The company plans to enhance its product range to suit the characteristics of each commercial district and gradually increase the number of participating stores.

Shin Sang-yong, head of the Service Platform Team at BGF Retail, said, "As the number of households raising pets increases, so does demand for buying food, treats, and hygiene products at nearby convenience stores." He added, "We will work with specialized brands to develop distinctive products and services."

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