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🇰🇷 11st's Bold Shift to Profitability

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🇰🇷 Qoo10 Diversifies with Eco-Friendly and Private Label Products

Qoo10 is expanding its product range by introducing eco-friendly items and launching a series of private label (PB) products. This strategy aims to enhance product competitiveness and reclaim customers from rivals like Coupang and AliExpress. Surge in PB Product Sales According to Qoo10 Group, sales of Interpark Shopping’s PB products have surged by approximately 400% within seven months since their launch in September last year. Interpark Shopping, now the base for the group's PB product planning and production, oversees all processes from planning to production. Since last July, Interpark Shopping has launched 14 PB products, including water, capsule coffee, probiotics, tights, and kitchen towels. The company plans to release around 10 new PB products in the first half of this year, expanding from household items to functional cosmetics and health supplements. Customization and Market Expansion A Qoo10 representative stated, "Each platform has distinct strengths and caters t...

🇰🇷 End of Price Wars: Private Label Products Shift Focus from Price to Quality

Quality over Price in private label products in Korea Private Brand (PB) Products Shift Focus from Price to Quality As inflation drives fierce "ultra-low price discount competition" in the distribution industry, companies are increasingly focusing on enhancing the product quality of their private brands (PB) rather than merely competing on price. This shift aims to increase customer loyalty by offering differentiated quality that meets long-term demand rather than engaging in price wars. Customers shopping Lotte Mart's PB products Lotte Mart and Supermarket's 'Today Good' Brand According to the distribution industry, Lotte Mart and Supermarket's PB brand 'Today Good' has expanded its product range to over 500 items as of May, a fivefold increase within a year of its launch. Out of 200 product categories, 22 have become best-sellers, demonstrating the brand's strong product quality. Consequently, Lotte Mart's overall PB product sales increas...

🇰🇷 CJ Olive Young Launches 'Olive Young Health Dive' to capture health category

CJ Olive Young (Olive Young) announced on April 30th that it wolud launch a health promotion called ‘Olive Young Health Dive’ on May 1st. This initiative aims to foster the health category. Aiming to Lead the K-Health Market Olive Young plans to make this health promotion as significant as its well-known 'Olive Young Sale.' By doing so, it aims to lead the growth of the health market, making it a core category comparable to K-beauty. Significant Growth in Health Category In 2023, Olive Young saw a 27% increase in health category sales compared to the previous year. The number of wellness products, including health items, has more than doubled since before the pandemic. The health market has expanded as people increasingly view health management as an investment in themselves, attracting a younger demographic, especially the MZ generation. Introduction of 'Health+' In response to these market changes, Olive Young introduced a personalized wellness curation service called...

🇰🇷 No Safety Certification, No Entry: New Cross-board Importing Regulation

New cross-border personal importing regulation announced by Korean government on May 16th, 2024 Introduction of New Safety Regulations Starting June 2024, the Korean government will implement a new regulation prohibiting the import of 80 specific items through direct overseas purchases unless they have safety certification. This measure aims to protect public health and safety. Announcement of New Measures On the May 16th, at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, the government announced a plan to enhance consumer safety and boost corporate competitiveness in response to the surge in overseas direct purchases. Previously, products imported through official channels required the KC (Korea Certification) mark, but items bought directly from overseas lacked these safety checks. Impact on Children's Products and Electronics Due to the recent rise in direct purchases from platforms like AliExpress and Temu, the import of potentially harmful products has also increased. Now, ...

🇰🇷 Targeting Gen Z: Maximizing Brand Experience as a Key Strategy

Maximizing Brand Experience Through Flagship and Pop-up Stores - A trend Among Gen Z  Expanding Customer Touchpoints with Pop-up and Flagship Stores In the retail industry, opening flagship stores and pop-up stores has become a significant trend. These stores help brands connect with customers and convey their value effectively. For Gen Z, visiting brand spaces for Instagram-worthy photos and unique experiences has become a cultural norm. Retailers leverage this trend by offering special, short-term experiences through pop-up stores. The Beverage Industry's Innovative Brand Spaces The beverage industry is also catching on to this trend, creating unique brand spaces that attract attention. As the domestic alcohol market trends towards Gen Z, beverages are seen not just as consumables but as part of a lifestyle and value-based consumption. The industry responds by providing immersive brand experiences through innovative marketing spaces. The Balvenie Bar: A Flagship Store with a Cult...

🇰🇷 Zero, Non-Alcoholic, Protein: The Rise of Functional Beverages

  Choosing Healthier Options: The Rise of Functional Beverages "If I'm going to eat, I might as well choose something healthy." Jejoong Lee, a 32-year-old office worker living in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, has been drinking protein beverages as a breakfast substitute for the past two months. With limited time to prepare meals and the need to maintain nutritional intake, Lee has found functional beverages to be a convenient solution. “Many people around me drink functional beverages regularly,” Lee said. “It's an easy way to take care of my health, so I often use them.” The Shift Towards Health-Conscious Consumption The trend of prioritizing health has led to an increase in beverages with low sugar content and health benefits. According to the Food Industry Statistics Information, the per capita beverage consumption in South Korea rose from 148% in 2018 to 169.7% in 2022. Additionally, beverage imports in 2022 reached $350.29 million, a 3.8% increase from the previous year. ...