SOHOFRANCHISE INDUSTRY

Retail

Fashion, convenience, specialty stores and experience-led retail.

Korea’s Grocery Retail Map: Convenience Stores, Supermarkets and the Franchise vs. Independent Store Opportunity

South Korea has one of the world’s densest convenience-store networks, but the market is changing. More than 53,000 major-chain convenience stores compete with corporate supermarkets, independent neighborhood markets and traditional “mom-and-pop” grocery stores. SOHOFRANCHISE examines the national retail landscape and asks a practical question for entrepreneurs: is it safer to open a branded franchise, or can an independent supermarket still compete?

2026.09.035 min read

FIELD REPORT

Korea’s Liquor & Wine Retail Business: Competitiveness, Expected Income and the Legal Realities of Alcohol Distribution

Liquor retail may look attractive because of premium wine, whisky and gift demand, but in Korea it is not a simple retail business. Alcohol sales remain a permit-based industry, online sales are tightly restricted, and wholesale access is shaped by licensing rules. SOHOFRANCHISE examines whether a neighborhood liquor store or franchise-style wine shop can still offer a viable small-business opportunity.

2026.09.015 min read

FIELD REPORT

Why Samcheong-dong Works as a Testbed for Small Retail

This Seoul neighborhood compresses tourists, locals, photogenic streets and tiny store footprints into one district, making it a sharp place to test new retail ideas.

2026.08.165 min read

FIELD REPORT

Inside an Unmanned Fashion Shop in Seoul: Retail Without a Cashier

A field look at a self-service fashion shop in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, and what it reveals about the changing economics of unmanned retail.

2026.08.166 min read

Retail

When a Small Store Can Beat a Large Store

Smaller formats can reduce rent, fit more locations and simplify staffing — but only if sales density and product selection remain strong.

2026.08.095 min read