C-Store

About C-Store

C-Store, fully known as Shanghai C-Store Convenience Chain Co., Ltd., is a chain of convenience stores operating primarily in China. It was established in April 2001 in Shanghai and is a subsidiary of the Taiwanese Ruentex Group. The company has expanded its presence with a mix of directly operated and franchised stores, numbering over 1,000 locations, mainly concentrated in the East and South China regions.

The business operates as a high-end convenience store, offering a wide array of products including daily necessities, fresh and hot foods like the "Royal Bento" series, Oden, and buns. C-Store's model focuses on creating an all-channel commercial ecosystem by integrating its stores with the local community and commercial areas. This strategy aims to broaden the service range of each outlet and enhance its capacity for profit. The company leverages the significant purchasing power of its parent's other retail giant, RT-Mart, to provide a diverse and rich selection of goods. C-Store also incorporates advanced management and technology from Taiwan and Japan into its operations.

A significant milestone in the company's history was in November 2018, when Alibaba Group invested 500 million RMB, acquiring a stake of 20-25%. This strategic investment integrated C-Store into Alibaba's expansive "New Retail" landscape, which includes major names like Suning.com, RT-Mart, and Hema Fresh. The collaboration was intended to help Alibaba penetrate the convenience store market more deeply while allowing C-Store to accelerate its own growth and digital transformation by leveraging Alibaba's technological advantages.