S. Korea's convenience stores see soaring demand for pet care products

More South Korean consumers are buying pet goods at convenience stores due to their proximity and accessibility than exclusive pet shops.

Sales of pet goods in major convenience store chain GS25 rose by 44.3 percent between January 1 and September 26 compared to the same period last year.

The increased sales are reflected more in items for cats, such as snacks, which soared by 75 percent.

According to GS25, they have been recently increasing their stock for cat care products such as snacks, litter, and absorbent pads.

Overall, GS25's pet goods stock increased approximately 11 percent since last year.

Another convenience store, CU, enjoyed a 44.6 percent sales increase in pet food and snacks over the same period, with cat snack sales surging by 55.9 percent.

Meanwhile, Emart24 experienced a 52 percent boost in pet goods sales. It currently sells around 100 kinds of pet care items after increasing stocks by 40 percent since last year.