Hi-Life (convenience store)
Hi-Life International, doing business as Hi-Life, is a Taiwanese convenience store chain established in 1988. As of 2023, the company has 1550 stores across Taiwan.
History
Early Growth and Expansion (1991–2000)
Established in 1988, the company was established on Dihua Street in Taipei. In the following year, nine stores were opened simultaneously and its distribution centre was established on Xinhai Road in Banqiao District, New Taipei. Hi-Life introduced the Electronic Order System in 1991 to improve inventory management and launched invoice redemption and recycling programs. It expanded rapidly, reaching 100 stores in 1994, 200 in 1995, and 300 in 1996. To support growth, it established multiple regional offices and distribution centers, including the Wugu Distribution Centre located in Wugu District in 1994 and Southern Distribution Centre in 1996. In 1997, Hi-Life moved its headquarters to Bade Road in Taipei and received Good Store Practices certification.Diversification and Technological Advancements (2001–2010)
Hi-Life expanded into Taiwan Railway stations in 2001 and introduced credit card payments. It gained popularity with the NT$38 meal box in 2002 and became the exclusive distributor of Taiwan draught beer. In 2004, it launched the interactive kiosk and surpassed 1,000 stores. The company embraced digital innovation by introducing online shopping in 2006, an electronic invoice system in 2008, and an employee e-learning platform. Hi-Life also expanded its fresh food offerings, opening its first Baking Room in 2007. By continuously enhancing its logistics, technology, and product range, Hi-Life solidified its position in Taiwan’s convenience store industry. Hi-Life introduced fresh tea in collaboration with Tai Shan Enterprise and launched EasyCard micro-payments.2010–2020: Expansion and Digital Growth
In 2011, it expanded ticketing services and opened stores in high-speed rail stations and Taoyuan Airport in 2012. The company also entered e-learning in 2013, ventured into food production, and opened its first offshore store in Kinmen. In 2014, Hi-Life introduced laundry services and partnered with iPASS and Ponta in 2015, marking its entry into e-commerce and mobile payment solutions like Alipay.In 2016, Hi-Life won a service excellence award, and expanded its green initiatives. The company pioneered barcode payments and invested in logistics and food R&D centers. By 2019, it launched Hipay mobile payments, introduced SIM card activation, and became the first convenience store to offer app-based ATM withdrawals. In 2020, Hi-Life enabled all four major e-payment systems, participated in mask rationing programs, and introduced online retail platforms.
2021–2024: Digital Transformation & Sustainability
In 2021, Hi-Life launched smart retail stores, including a 5G gaming store, and introduced the "Hi-Life x Shopee" online flagship store. It debuted electric vehicle charging stations, expanded its Mr. Hi supermarket chain, and entered the metaverse with "Hi-Life Virtual Kitchen". By 2023, membership had reached 6 million, and the company introduced luxury service offerings, such as yacht and RV rentals. In 2024, Hi-Life celebrated its 35th anniversary, upgraded its Hi-Café coffee, and donated over NT$4.46 million for 2024 Hualien earthquake relief.Controversy
- In 2003, Kuang Chuan Dairy’s chairman falsely claimed Hi-Life had filed for bankruptcy. Hi-Life executives quickly refuted the claim, calling it malicious misinformation, and threatened legal action.
- In 2014, Hi-Life was linked to Taiwan’s gutter oil scandal when a supplier’s contaminated oil was found in their spicy oden soup base.
- In 2017, Hi-Life paused operations for two hours on Lunar New Year's Eve to allow employees to celebrate with their families.
- In 2021, during Taiwan’s Level 3 COVID-19 alert, a customer assaulted a Hi-Life employee over mask and contact-tracing rules. The chain also temporarily closed 20 stores due to the outbreak.