By last week, the top three convenience stores - CU, GS25 and 7-Eleven - had all told their branches to stop placing orders for Chamisul. “Some stores already fell short of supply,” said an industry insider at one of the three convenience stores. “Until last week, branches were able to receive products stocked at distribution centers, but this week, it seems they’re empty as well.” The situation is a little better for discount chains. “We heard that there isn’t a huge problem among our branches yet but we’ll have to see what the impact will be in the long term,” said an Emart spokesman. Another discount chain spokesman said “I was told we’re hanging on with stock and that there is still supply to sell for another week.” The labor union is requesting a 7 percent salary raise. Hite Jinro, which initially refused to offer any wage increase, is “consider” the hike. Supplies of Hite’s other products, including popular beers Hite, Max, Filite and Dry d, are also affected by the strike.