Which is the first Korean convenience store to enter India?

[Financial News] Emart24 has become the first Korean convenience store to enter the Indian market. 
Emart24 announced on the 24th that it opened its first store in India in the Pune region of Maharashtra on the 21st in partnership with the local franchise company 'Jeong Brothers'.
Jeong Brothers, which collaborated on this opening, is a pioneer in the Indian market and already operates 29 franchise stores, including 'Cafe Peter'. The first store in India, BHS (Balewadi High Street) store, is located on the 1st and 2nd floors of a 12-story Solitaire Business Hub. It covers a total area of 80 pyeong (264㎡), combining 55 pyeong (182㎡) on the 1st floor and 25 pyeong (82㎡) on the 2nd floor.
The 1st floor consists of a dining area with 24 indoor seats and 32 outdoor seats, and a space selling convenience store products such as snacks and processed foods. Unlike the self-service method where customers cook K-ramen themselves, employees cook and serve the ramen, reflecting the consumption patterns of Indians.
The 2nd floor features a K-photo booth in collaboration with 'Inspoto' by 'Argo', a Korean self-photo booth company, along with an experience space in partnership with 'Limese', an India-based K-beauty platform. Emart24 plans to open a second store within this year. Additionally, they are considering expanding to other regions in India through a master franchise agreement, including opening two more stores next year for a total of four stores.
Choi Jin-il, CEO of Emart24, said, "India has a young and large population, so we expect to create great synergy with Emart24, which has various K-contents," and "We will continue to secure a strong advantage in the local market through Emart24's unique brand and products based on India's high potential."


localplace@fnnews.com Kim Hyun-ji Reporter