Zero sugar, zero margins: The strategy behind Zerostore's rise

What happened: Zerostore, an unstaffed convenience store chain focused on zero- to low-sugar products, has grown to 230 stores since opening its first location in July 2024, with CEO Pyeon Young-min saying headquarters margins were near zero to prioritize franchisee profitability. Key numbers: First Why it matters: Pyeon said almost all competitors have gone away, and the company now targets steady profitability over aggressive expansion. It is also preparing a first overseas launch, with inquiries from the United States, Australia and Europe, and is considering markets such as Mongolia.

Zerostore, an unstaffed convenience store chain focused on zero- to low-sugar products, has grown to 230 stores since opening its first location in July 2024, with CEO Pyeon Young-min saying headquarters margins were near zero to prioritize franchisee profitability.

Pyeon said almost all competitors have gone away, and the company now targets steady profitability over aggressive expansion. It is also preparing a first overseas launch, with inquiries from the United States, Australia and Europe, and is considering markets such as Mongolia.