FamilyMart Opens First Store in Ministry of National Defense Visitor Center; Tea Eggs Become Bestselling Supply Item on Base

Central News Agency (CNA), Taipei, May 8th - by reporter Ho Hsiu-ling. FamilyMart is deepening its presence in special locations, announcing on the 7th the opening ceremony of its Chongshi store in the visitor center of the Ministry of National Defense''s Bo''ai Campus. This marks the first time a convenience store has entered a core reception area of the armed forces, not only enhancing shopping convenience on the base but also gradually transforming the traditional supply function of military post exchanges into a life-services hub. In a press release today, FamilyMart stated that with its experience in operating in closed commercial areas, it has been cultivating its presence in military bases for over 20 years, expanding its services to army, navy, air force, and other related Ministry of National Defense locations. The momentum for store expansion has continued to grow this year. Following the opening of the ''Haixun store'' at the Navy Training Center in Zuoying, Kaohsiung in January, the ''Chongshi store'' was established in the Ministry of National Defense visitor center, accelerating the layout of its military base locations. FamilyMart observes that consumption in the military exhibits highly situation-oriented characteristics, centered around the rhythm of missions and training, forming a consumption pattern of replenishment during breaks between tasks. For example, at the ''Haixun store'' in the Zuoying Navy Training Center, which opened early this year, ready-to-eat microwaveable meals, chicken breast, tea eggs, and other high-protein products are most popular among officers and soldiers in the high-intensity training environment, with tea eggs being the top-selling item in the base''s store. Hsiao Ta-cheng, head of FamilyMart''s Northern First Business Division, stated that military bases are characterized by the need for high-frequency replenishment in a short amount of time. Officers and soldiers often make quick purchases during breaks from training or duties, so planning must emphasize efficiency and immediacy. The FamilyMart Chongshi store operates as a parent-child store model, located on the first floor and basement level one of the Ministry of National Defense visitor center to meet different needs. The first-floor store is about 10 ping (approx. 33 square meters), with operating hours from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., open to both military personnel and their guests. The basement level one store is designed as a supply space exclusively for officers and soldiers. The product selection focuses on ready-to-eat fresh foods, functional supplements, and daily necessities, including microwaveable meals, baked bread, Let''s Café freshly brewed drinks, and textiles. Multiple pots for tea eggs and sweet potatoes have also been set up to cater to the different needs of officers and soldiers during rest or visits. (Editor: Lin Chia-hsien) 1150508