in Korea these days,... convenience stores are turning to novel ways to attract and keep

customers,... offering high tech devices and unconventional services on top of their usual

fare of drinks and snacks. Kim Min-ji reports.

"Convenience stores in Korea are pushing to become more convenient than ever evolving

into so-called "living stores" that cater to the everyday needs of consumers."

The number of convenience stores has more than doubled from just four years ago.

This translates into roughly one convenience store per 2-thousand people.

And it′s growing to become a 12 billion dollar industry.

But with quantitative growth at its peak,... convenience stores are now seeking new sources

of profit by offering a new range of products and customizing stores to meet the individual

needs of customers. "7-Eleven offers diverse products depending

on store locations. In this store, we sell flowers and have imported a French underwear

brand. We′re also planning to offer more products that meet the needs of single-person

households." Non-food products now make up about 17-percent

of 7-Eleven′s sales,... and the plan is to boost that figure to 20-percent, next year.

GS25 another popular convenience store is offering a lineup of tech goods,... from cellphones

and televisions to water purifiers. Some take it to another level... by offering

space to enjoy a cup of coffee or hold meetings. "I didn′t know these rooms existed. I hope

to use one in the future with my friends when I do team assignments."

Customers can reserve these rooms at just one dollar per hour,… along with free WiFi

access, printing facilities and laptop rentals. "We created this space with the purpose of

attracting more customers by offering convenience. People visit our store not just to buy food

but to spend time." By shifting focus from their traditional moneymakers,

like instant foods, towards new goods and services,… convenience stores are striving

to be more than just a quick stop shop. Kim Min-ji, Arirang News.