Convenience Store-gram has had a huge ripple effect on social media with a growing number of followers and hashtags introducing exotic food and drinks. (image: Instagram)
SEOUL, Nov. 11 (Korea Bizwire) — A “Convenience Store-gram” account, a newly coined phrase combining convenience store and Instagram, appeared on social media recently.
It is an account where consumers post reviews and photos of convenience store products.
On top of this, the account has had a huge ripple effect on social media with a growing number of followers and hashtags introducing exotic food and drinks.
It is functioning as an advertisement center for convenience store products.
The convenience store industry and the food industry are also actively considering “Convenience Store-grams” in developing, producing and marketing new products.
With winter around the corner, hoppang, Korean steamed buns, the flagship seasonal snack of convenience stores, has become the center of attention on Convenience Store-gram.
Of note, ‘Samlip Hoppang,’ a long-term brand that is marking its 49th anniversary since its launch this year, is receiving the most attention.
SPC Samlip Co., a major food company, has put out a number of exotic hoppang products in line with the trend of new flavors in the taste of sweet red beans, vegetables and pizza.
Meanwhile, convenience store chain CU joined hands with online rice cake market “Young Mill” to exclusively launch “Sweet Potato Cream Tteok” and “Tiramisu Cream Tteok.”
Young Mill’s rice cake restaurant has been huge hit on social media. When convenience stores release the restaurant’s products, they attract much attention, receiving a series of reviews.
This is an unusual case of online buzz, starting online and re-gaining popularity offline, adding to the buzz.
Industry watchers say that convenience stores cannot significantly increase sales or profits due to space limitations in their stores, and products are frequently replaced, making it difficult to advertise products sold only at convenience stores separately.
However with the advent of convenience store-gram, it is helping the industry increase sales, promoting products on related accounts.
“We are looking at comments on a regular basis to identify rapidly changing consumption trends,” said a representative of the convenience store industry.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
