Convenience Store Medicine Sales 'Jump'... But Expansion of Items is Questionable

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[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Since the COVID-19 pandemic, purchasing over-the-counter (OTC) drugs at convenience stores has become a daily routine. This is because when pharmacies are closed during late-night hours or holidays, medications can be purchased anytime at convenience stores that operate 24 hours. While the convenience store industry is demanding an expansion of the range of OTC drugs sold, opposition from the pharmacist community is strong, making it difficult to realize.

According to CU on the 26th, sales of OTC drugs increased by 22.6% from January 1 to August 23 this year compared to the same period last year. During the same period, GS25 saw a 30.1% increase, Seven-Eleven 100%, and Emart24 42%. Sales of OTC drugs have been steadily increasing every year. At GS25, OTC drug sales grew by 23.4% in 2019, 29.3% in 2020, and 38.8% in 2021. Seven-Eleven also showed growth rates of 10% in 2019, 10% in 2020, and 20% in 2021.

Currently, the OTC drugs sold at convenience stores include 5 types of antipyretic analgesics, 2 types of cold medicines, 4 types of digestive aids, and 2 types of patches, totaling 13 items. However, there are differences between the drugs sold at convenience stores and pharmacies. For example, Tylenol 500mg tablets are sold in packs of 10 at pharmacies but limited to 8 tablets at convenience stores. Since the maximum daily dose of acetaminophen is 4000mg, only a day's supply is sold to prevent misuse. There are also differences in ingredients and dosages depending on the drug, which is a measure to minimize side effects.

Convenience stores have played a role as public infrastructure alongside pharmacies during the COVID-19 pandemic, based on over 50,000 offline stores nationwide. The sale of self-test kits is a representative example, with self-test kits available at all convenience stores nationwide until the 30th of next month. According to CU, sales of self-test kits from the 1st to the 23rd of this month increased 200 times compared to the same period last year. During the same period, GS25 saw a 200-fold increase, Seven-Eleven 250-fold, and Emart24 156-fold.

A customer is purchasing a self-test kit at the convenience store CU.

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The Korea Convenience Store Franchise Association argues that expanding the range of OTC drugs such as topical ointments, antacids, and burn ointments is necessary to eliminate blind spots in public safety. According to a 2020 consumer monitoring survey by the Pharmaceutical Policy Research Institute, 56% responded that "the range of items sold at convenience stores should be increased." On the other hand, the pharmacist community clearly opposes this, citing concerns about drug misuse and side effects. Due to the stark differences in positions between the two sides, discussions on expanding the range of OTC drugs have not practically progressed.

Professor Kim Si-wol of Konkuk University's Department of Consumer Studies stated, "Overseas, drugstores sell non-prescription drugs," adding, "While various discussions are needed, expanding the range of OTC drugs sold at convenience stores to those that do not require pharmacist expertise would be beneficial in terms of consumer accessibility and convenience."

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