사진 확대 (Courtesy of CJ Group)
Lee Jae-hyun, chairman of CJ Group, visited a flagship CJ Olive Young store in central Seoul to review the company’s beauty business strategy, as the retailer prepares to expand into the United States.
According to CJ on Sunday, Lee toured the Olive Young Central Myeongdong Town store last Thursday, accompanied by senior executives including his son, Lee Sun-ho, head of the group’s future strategy division, and Olive Young Chief Executive Lee Sun-jung.
During the visit, Lee emphasized the need to build a “sustainable K-beauty ecosystem” in the U.S. market, signaling a long-term approach to global expansion. Olive Young plans to open its first U.S. store in May and establish a total of four locations within the year as it accelerates its overseas push.
Lee also praised the store’s merchandising strategy, particularly curated spaces that spotlight a single brand each quarter, calling them “a great idea.” After selecting several products himself, he remarked that they would make suitable gifts for overseas business trips.
Industry observers interpret the visit as part of Lee’s hands-on management approach, aimed at testing whether the “K-lifestyle” retail model proven in Myeongdong can be replicated in global markets. The flagship store derives roughly 95 percent of its sales from foreign customers, making it a key benchmark for assessing overseas competitiveness.
Lee’s inspection focused on the purchasing journey of international visitors, including displays of color cosmetics popular among Gen Z consumers, snack brands favored by tourists and mask packs that have gained traction in the U.S. market.
By Shin Soo-hyeon and Minu Kim
[ⓒ Pulse by Maeil Business News Korea & mk.co.kr, All rights reserved]
