In a bid to enhance customer engagement and redefine the role of convenience stores, BGF Retail Co., the operator of CU convenience stores, has launched the industry’s first-ever “tattoo kiosk,” the company announced Wednesday.
The innovative kiosk enables customers to apply temporary tattoos to their skin in just one to two seconds using a simple rolling mechanism. Featuring over 100 unique designs—including Korean cultural motifs such as palaces, tigers, and other iconic imagery—the service aims to blend tradition with tech-driven novelty.
According to BGF Retail, the tattoos are created using cosmetic-grade pigment ink that complies with South Korean safety standards. The designs are temporary, lasting approximately two days. The kiosk interface also supports English, Chinese, and Japanese, making it accessible to foreign visitors and tourists.
The tattoo kiosk is part of CU’s broader strategy to transform its stores into lifestyle-focused destinations offering interactive, experiential services beyond conventional retail. The company said it is responding to changing consumer expectations, particularly among younger customers.
“We will continue to introduce services tailored to evolving customer needs, expanding the role of CU convenience stores,” BGF Retail said in a statement.
This latest offering follows a series of experiential installations in CU locations, including capsule toy machines and smoothie stations—both of which have gained traction among youth demographics.
BGF Retail currently operates approximately 18,600 CU stores across South Korea, with an international footprint of 680 outlets in Mongolia, Malaysia, and Kazakhstan.
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