Half of New GS25 Franchise Owners Are Seniors as Support for Senior Entrepreneurs Grows

GS25 has reported that the proportion of franchise owners aged 50 to 60 has surpassed 50% for the first time. To address the growing demand for senior entrepreneurship, GS25 is launching a hands-on program that allows prospective franchisees to experience actual store operations before signing contracts.
 
GS Retail, which operates GS25, announced on August 18 that it has established the 'Active Senior Entrepreneurship Experience Program' aimed at prospective franchisees aged 50 to 60. This new initiative combines store visits, real operational experiences, and personalized one-on-one consultations, moving beyond the traditional franchise information sessions.
 
The introduction of this program is in response to the rapidly increasing demand for senior entrepreneurship. The proportion of new GS25 franchise owners aged 50 to 60 rose from 44.6% in 2023 to 50.1% in the first half of this year.
 
Similarly, the share of prospective franchisees in this age group increased from 44% to 48.5% during the same period. Analysts suggest that the low barriers to entry and the potential for stable income from convenience store ownership are becoming more appealing as society ages.
 
The convenience store industry is increasingly expanding business models targeting the 50 to 60 age group. Competitor BGF Retail, which operates CU, has previously launched a 'Senior Mobile Convenience Store' to enhance accessibility for older consumers in underserved areas.
 
The newly established Active Senior Entrepreneurship Experience Program will be conducted monthly from August 21 to December, totaling four sessions.
 
The program is open to individuals aged 55 to 69 (born between 1957 and 1971), with approximately 20 participants per session. Interested individuals can apply on a first-come, first-served basis through the GS Retail official website.
 
Participants will gain hands-on experience in tasks such as product display, store management, and using POS systems, followed by personalized entrepreneurship consultations tailored to their situations.
 
GS25 has designed the program based on feedback from existing senior franchise owners, focusing on essential operational tasks needed after starting a business.
 
Those who complete the program and sign a franchise agreement within a year will receive a discount of 1 million won on the franchise fee. Additionally, senior franchisees preparing to open new stores will receive online training and a digital terminology guidebook.
 
Park Joo-hyun, manager of the GS25 Development Planning Team, stated, "The Active Senior Entrepreneurship Experience Program is designed to help those aged 50 to 60 gain real store operation experience and choose a suitable business model. We will continue to strengthen our tailored support systems considering the entrepreneurial needs of different age groups."