BGF Retail, the company behind the CU convenience store brand, has launched a groundbreaking feature: a tattoo kiosk designed to enhance the shopping experience. Unveiled on Wednesday, the “tattoo kiosk” is the first of its kind in the industry, offering customers the opportunity to apply temporary tattoos in a matter of seconds using a unique rolling applicator.
Located in select CU stores, the interactive machines offer over 100 tattoo designs, many inspired by elements of Korean culture. Among the options are tattoos featuring traditional Korean palaces, fierce tigers, and modern street motifs that blend contemporary style with historical themes. The kiosks also cater to international customers, with support for English, Chinese, and Japanese languages.
The tattoos, made with cosmetic-grade pigment ink that meets South Korean safety standards, last up to two days. They provide a fun, low-commitment way for customers to experiment with body art, ideal for sharing on social media or simply enjoying temporarily.
For BGF Retail, the tattoo kiosk is part of a larger strategy to redefine the role of CU stores in the community. The company aims to transform its locations from typical convenience outlets into dynamic lifestyle hubs. “We will continue to introduce services tailored to evolving customer needs, expanding the role of CU convenience stores,” BGF Retail stated.
This initiative builds on CU’s previous ventures into experiential retail, which included the introduction of capsule toy machines and smoothie stations. These features proved especially popular among younger customers seeking a blend of convenience and entertainment.
With over 18,600 locations across South Korea and expanding operations in Mongolia, Malaysia, and Kazakhstan, CU is increasingly blending convenience with culture. As the lines between commerce and experience continue to merge, a visit to the corner store might soon leave a lasting impression – both digitally and literally.
Related topics: