Korean Fashion Brands Go Global Hyundai’s Bold Step into International Retail

South Korean retail giant Hyundai Department Store has unveiled The Hyundai Global, a groundbreaking platform aimed at propelling the nation’s fashion and entertainment brands.

(C) The Korean Herald

South Korean retail giant Hyundai Department Store has unveiled The Hyundai Global, a groundbreaking platform aimed at propelling the nation’s fashion and entertainment brands onto the global stage. The platform’s innovative approach seeks to alleviate the financial burdens typically associated with international expansion for small to medium-sized Korean brands. By significantly reducing costs related to space leasing, interior design, and sales commission agreements, Hyundai Global offers a strategic pathway for these brands to enter global markets, saving them over 30 per cent compared to direct overseas entry.

A Comprehensive Facilitator for Global Expansion

Hyundai Global is not just a platform for entering international markets; it is a comprehensive facilitator that manages logistics from product export and import to negotiating store locations and operational strategies with leading retailers worldwide. This all-encompassing approach ensures that Korean brands can navigate the complexities of global expansion with ease, focusing on their products and brand image while Hyundai Global takes care of the rest.

Riding the Korean Wave: The Global Appeal of Korean Content

The launch of The Hyundai Global comes at a time of heightened global interest in Korean content, ranging from fashion to webtoons. The success and acclaim received by The Hyundai Seoul, the nation’s largest department store, for its innovative content and collaborations, are a testament to the global appeal of Korean creativity and craftsmanship. Hyundai Global aims to capitalize on this trend by showcasing the best of Korean fashion and entertainment to the world.

Japan as the First Stage: Partnerships and Pop-Up Stores

Japan has been chosen as the first stage for Hyundai Global, with Hyundai Department Store signing a business agreement with Parco, a large Japanese distribution group. Together, they plan to operate pop-up stores in major Japanese cities, starting with Shibuya Parco in Tokyo. The initial phase will feature pop-up stores for 11 brands, including Korean workwear brands Noice, EMIS, Matin Kim, and Mischief, occupying a combined space of 660 square meters at the Shibuya store.

A Vision for the Future: Elevating Brand Value and Global Expansion

The launch of The Hyundai Global marks a significant shift in the role of department stores, moving beyond mere fashion merchandisers to become global network platforms. Jung Jee-young, president of Hyundai Department Store, envisions Hyundai Global as a platform that offers customers memorable experiences while fostering the growth of domestic fashion brands and others. The platform’s success in Japan will likely pave the way for expansion into other international markets, solidifying Hyundai Department Store’s position as a global leader in retail innovation.

The Hyundai Global represents a bold step forward for Korean fashion brands seeking to establish a presence in international retail spaces. By providing a strategic pathway, reducing financial strains, and offering comprehensive facilitation, Hyundai Global is poised to elevate the brand value of the Hyundai Department Store and its partners while showcasing the best of Korean fashion and entertainment to the world.