Cambodia’s convenience store market is welcoming a new player! On October 19, South Korea’s Asia Business Daily reported that the prominent South Korean convenience store chain GS25 is actively preparing to enter Cambodia, with its first store potentially opening as early as late 2026 or early 2027.
The report said GS25 has begun preliminary preparations, including ordering products from South Korean food companies and completing trademark registration in Cambodia in July. Its parent company, GS Retail, said it has completed a feasibility assessment of the local market and is actively considering doing business there.
If the plan proceeds as expected, Cambodia will become GS25’s third overseas market after Vietnam and Mongolia. The brand entered those two countries in 2018 and 2021, respectively, continuing to expand its overseas business.
Meanwhile, another South Korean convenience store brand, E-MART24, has moved into Cambodia ahead of the competition. Since entering the Cambodian market in 2024, it has opened 42 stores and plans to expand its store count to more than 70 by the end of 2026. Data show that its average daily sales have increased 41% from 2024, while customer numbers have risen 17%.
Notably, tensions between Cambodia and Thailand have led to consumer boycotts of some convenience store brands with Thai backgrounds. Against this backdrop, South Korean brands are accelerating their expansion, potentially bringing new changes to market competition.
With GS25 expected to join the market, competition in Cambodia’s convenience store sector is likely to intensify further, giving consumers access to more South Korean products and shopping options in the future. However, GS25’s specific opening date and expansion plans remain subject to further confirmation by the company.
