South Korean beauty retail giant Olive Young is entering the U.S. market with ambitions that extend beyond introducing a K-beauty destination.
With its first American brick-and-mortar store set to open Friday in Pasadena, Calif., as first reported by WWD, Olive Young sees the launch as the start of a broader U.S. retail and e-commerce expansion.
The 8,647-square-foot U.S. flagship at 58 West Colorado Blvd. will stock about 400 brands and 5,000 products across skin care, makeup, hair care, wellness and lifestyle categories.
“The U.S. is the biggest market in terms of trend and influence,” said Gaeun Kwon, chief executive officer of Olive Young U.S.A., speaking through a translator ahead of the opening. “Over the years, K-beauty has become more than just a niche or a specific interest. It’s become more like a trending culture.”
Employees prepare Olive Young’s first U.S. store ahead of the retailer’s Friday opening in Pasadena, Calif.
