321 operators expected to reach 20-year mark by year-end

Top per-store sales, co-growth support system among key factors

The operator and store managers of GS25's Yeonsu Cheonghak branch pose for a photo at a ceremony marking the store's 30th anniversary. [GS Retail]
The operator and store managers of GS25's Yeonsu Cheonghak branch pose for a photo at a ceremony marking the store's 30th anniversary. [GS Retail]

GS Retail announced Monday that the number of GS25 convenience store operators who have run their franchises for 20 years or more reached 307 as of the end of October, surpassing the 300 mark.

The company expects that figure to climb to 321 by year-end. Nineteen operators have been running their stores for 30 years or more, with four branches — Nongong, Yeonsu Cheonghak, Nonhyeon-donghyeon and Apgujeong Station — crossing the 30-year threshold this year.

GS Retail attributed the growth in long-tenured operators to several factors: industry-leading per-store sales, the sector's first co-growth support system and expanded operator welfare programs. Co-growth measures include higher inventory-clearance limits and incentives tied to product assortment, profitability improvement and sales margins. Top-performing stores also receive water-filter support, utility cost subsidies and accident insurance coverage.

Operator welfare benefits include health and psychological care programs staffed by medical professionals, as well as holiday gifts, childbirth gifts, and support for family events and funerals. Milestone perks are also offered by tenure: operators with 10 or more years receive free health screenings, while those with 20 or more years receive travel vouchers worth up to 3 million won ($2,210) along with commemorative plaques.

The four operators who crossed the 30-year mark this year were honored at a celebration where they received travel vouchers worth 3 million won and commemorative plaques, along with dedication signs installed at their stores. "We will continue to pursue shared growth through a store-opening strategy that takes franchisee profitability into account and co-growth initiatives aimed at improving returns," said Shin Dong-hoon, head of GS Retail's co-growth cooperation team.


spa@heraldcorp.com