South Korean Retail Giant Launches Innovative CU Store Chain in Kazakhstan
Source: The DairyNews
On March 6, 2024, the first CU store, part of an innovative retail network, opened its doors in Almaty, Kazakhstan, marking the entry of South Korea's largest retailer into the Kazakhstani market.
This ambitious project, set to unfold by 2030, is expected to inject up to 50 billion tenge into the city's economy and establish 500 modern retail points. Jointly undertaken by the "Shin-Line" group of companies and South Korea's leading operator, BGF Retail, the project aims to revitalize the industry and meet the demand for high-quality services and products among city residents.
The newly introduced CU store chain features a compact and accessible format, operating 24/7, designed to enhance the shopping experience for Almaty's residents. The stores boast an appealing exterior, distinctive internal ambiance, non-traditional operational practices, swift service, and reasonable pricing, as emphasized in the company's release.
The "Shin-Line" group has established a unique "kitchen-factory" specifically for the CU store network, ensuring centralized dish preparation and standardized offerings for each store. With its centralized warehouse and distribution, the project aims to reduce delivery times for fresh products and minimize intermediaries in the production chain, ultimately improving product quality and consumer prices. By the end of the year, the initiative is set to create 600 jobs in Almaty.
CU stores introduce various categories, including ready-to-eat, ready-to-cook, ready-to-heat, bakery & hot drinks, snacks, and a variety of beverages. The new CU store network presents over 2000 product options, a departure from existing service formats.
Andrey Shin, President of the "Shin-Line" group, highlighted the positive impact the CU network would have on the city's retail industry, stating that modern stores with innovative solutions are essential for the community. The stores will offer both locally demanded fresh products and imported Asian goods from Korea, China, and Japan. Additionally, CU will feature a wide range of popular products and dishes, including Korean cuisine developed by top chefs from Korea.
During the opening event, it was emphasized that the standards, assortment, and operational format of this retail network in Kazakhstan are identical to those in South Korea. According to the network, this operational format will improve the lives of Kazakhstani citizens, create new job opportunities, and contribute positively to the country's economy.
BGF Retail's Vice President, Mr. Hong, added that their philosophy, encapsulated in the acronym "Be Good Friends," reflects a balance between profit and social responsibility. He stated that the CU network continues to grow, meeting diverse customer needs and earning recognition as the best.
Investors are confident that this project will provide a fresh impetus to the country's retail industry, intensify competition, elevate the overall quality of trade in Kazakhstan, and soon become a standard for the entire market.
For reference:
The "CU" retail network is the number one company in the South Korean market, owning 17,000 stores. The company, with over 30 years of experience, positions its CU stores as retail points with a wide range of daily necessities. In addition to familiar products, Kazakhstani stores will also feature imported goods from Korea, China, and Japan.
The "Shin-Line" group is a major domestic investor in Kazakhstan, focusing on the production of high-quality food products. Known as the number one ice cream manufacturer in Kazakhstan and Central Asia, the group is constructing the largest ice cream factory in the CIS. The "Shin-Line" logistics network serves over 6,000 retail points in the city of Almaty. As a strategic partner in this investment project, the company has extensive experience in developing the CU retail network and holds the top position in the South Korean trading market.
The newly introduced CU store chain features a compact and accessible format, operating 24/7, designed to enhance the shopping experience for Almaty's residents. The stores boast an appealing exterior, distinctive internal ambiance, non-traditional operational practices, swift service, and reasonable pricing, as emphasized in the company's release.
The "Shin-Line" group has established a unique "kitchen-factory" specifically for the CU store network, ensuring centralized dish preparation and standardized offerings for each store. With its centralized warehouse and distribution, the project aims to reduce delivery times for fresh products and minimize intermediaries in the production chain, ultimately improving product quality and consumer prices. By the end of the year, the initiative is set to create 600 jobs in Almaty.
CU stores introduce various categories, including ready-to-eat, ready-to-cook, ready-to-heat, bakery & hot drinks, snacks, and a variety of beverages. The new CU store network presents over 2000 product options, a departure from existing service formats.
Andrey Shin, President of the "Shin-Line" group, highlighted the positive impact the CU network would have on the city's retail industry, stating that modern stores with innovative solutions are essential for the community. The stores will offer both locally demanded fresh products and imported Asian goods from Korea, China, and Japan. Additionally, CU will feature a wide range of popular products and dishes, including Korean cuisine developed by top chefs from Korea.
During the opening event, it was emphasized that the standards, assortment, and operational format of this retail network in Kazakhstan are identical to those in South Korea. According to the network, this operational format will improve the lives of Kazakhstani citizens, create new job opportunities, and contribute positively to the country's economy.
BGF Retail's Vice President, Mr. Hong, added that their philosophy, encapsulated in the acronym "Be Good Friends," reflects a balance between profit and social responsibility. He stated that the CU network continues to grow, meeting diverse customer needs and earning recognition as the best.
Investors are confident that this project will provide a fresh impetus to the country's retail industry, intensify competition, elevate the overall quality of trade in Kazakhstan, and soon become a standard for the entire market.
For reference:
The "CU" retail network is the number one company in the South Korean market, owning 17,000 stores. The company, with over 30 years of experience, positions its CU stores as retail points with a wide range of daily necessities. In addition to familiar products, Kazakhstani stores will also feature imported goods from Korea, China, and Japan.
The "Shin-Line" group is a major domestic investor in Kazakhstan, focusing on the production of high-quality food products. Known as the number one ice cream manufacturer in Kazakhstan and Central Asia, the group is constructing the largest ice cream factory in the CIS. The "Shin-Line" logistics network serves over 6,000 retail points in the city of Almaty. As a strategic partner in this investment project, the company has extensive experience in developing the CU retail network and holds the top position in the South Korean trading market.
