Went to See a Shark, Bought Jaws Bar... Busan Convenience Stores Enjoy 'Shark Boom'

Thanks to a shark that appeared in the North Port of Dong-gu, Busan, nearby convenience stores are experiencing an unexpected "shark boom" with products like Jaws Bar, Goraebab (whale snacks), and Pinkfong Baby Shark.

According to BGF Retail, which operates the convenience store chain CU, sales of Jaws Bar at stores in the Dong-gu district of Busan increased by 28.4% from September 19 to 21, compared to the same days of the previous week, following the sighting of a shark at the Busan Port North Port Waterfront Park on September 18.

Sales of Goraebab rose by 21.6%, while items related to Pinkfong Baby Shark increased by 33.3%.

As news of the shark sighting spread through social media and other channels, it is analyzed that "associated consumption" took place, connecting the real shark with characters and images found on products.

This phenomenon was not limited to Busan.

During the same period, CU stores nationwide saw sales of Jaws Bar increase by 12.5%, Goraebab by 10.5%, and Baby Shark-related products by 13.9%.


As crowds flocked to see the shark in person, sales at nearby convenience stores surged significantly.

Total sales at CU stores near the waterfront park jumped by 48.6% on September 19 and 20 compared to the previous week.

In particular, as the number of customers trying to film the shark increased, auxiliary battery sales skyrocketed by 815.5%, and toy sales grew by 422.7%.

Sales also increased for instant cooked foods (166.2%), bottled water (55.0%), ice (46.3%), and triangular gimbap (32.3%).

The shark spotted in the artificial beach waterway within the waterfront park since September 18 is about 3.5 meters in size and has not left the area despite removal efforts.

There have also been accounts from witnesses claiming that a 1-meter-long baby shark is swimming alongside it, though this has not been confirmed.

As related photos and videos quickly spread through social media, citizens flocked to see the shark firsthand.

According to the Busan Metropolitan Government, the waterfront park drew four to five times the usual number of visitors over the weekend.
 
(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.