GS Retail (007070.KS) said GS The Fresh became the first supermarket chain in the industry to surpass 500 franchise stores after opening its Songpa Seokchon Station location in Seoul on the 20th. Total stores reached 603, with franchise outlets accounting for approximately 83%. The chain’s shift from company-operated stores to a franchise-centric model began 16 years ago and accelerated in 2020 as demand for neighborhood grocery shopping increased after the COVID-19 pandemic. GS The Fresh also reported 41.9% year-over-year growth in quick-commerce revenue in the first half of this year, with the service representing a record 9.9% of total revenue in the second quarter. Data-driven site selection and store operations helped same-store sales grow 6.2% from January through July this year.