Battery Swap

Korean c-store chain is leveraging the accessibility of convenience stores by replacing worn-out smartphone batteries with charged ones.

April 16, 2015

SEOUL – A convenience store chain in Korea will soon offer affordable smartphone battery replacements instead of recharging services.

Korea Bizwire reports that BGF Retail, operator of the CU convenience store chain, will begin the battery replacement service in May. The service offers fully charged smartphone batteries to smartphone users in exchange for their discharged ones, after verifying their authenticity.

Convenience stores in Korea, including CU, offer time-consuming recharging services (charges can take up to 40 minutes), so by implementing a battery replacement service, customers can save time while paying the same fee (3,000 won/US$2.74) as the recharging service.

“As more people use smartphones, there is much anxiety about battery life. By offering the service, we are presenting a convenient option to customers as they can replace the worn-out smartphone batteries like they are purchasing drinks in our stores,” a BGF Retail official told the news source.

The service will be available for all battery-replaceable smartphone models, and CU will continually add batteries for new models. CU stores that offer the service can be found using the “Full-charge” app.

However, the service is not available at all CU convenience stores, but only shops that have chosen to participate in the program. CU stores offering the service can be found using the new “Full-charge” smartphone application.

The news source also noted that CU convenience stores are transforming from convenience stores selling snacks and drinks to “space” providers with lockers, meeting rooms and concert halls.

CU’s Itaewon Freedom offers a private locker service, and some CU stores in university areas are offering meeting rooms equipped with tables, whiteboards and HD TVs for small-sized meetings.

In Daehangno, the CU Marronnier Park store features a small-sized stage for amateur musicians, and even supplies sound and lighting equipment. The park provides a venue for customers to enjoy cultural performances, highlighting the regional characteristics of the area.

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