Hyundai Department Store unveiled South Korea’s first Godiva Bakery at its The Hyundai Seoul location on August 6. (Image courtesy of Hyundai Department Store) SEOUL, Aug. 13 (Korea Bizwire) – In a strategic shift to combat the migration of shoppers to online platforms, South Korean department stores are engaged in a fierce competition to introduce exclusive international cafes and dessert shops to the local market.
Social media platforms are abuzz with posts from eager patrons flocking to newly opened establishments such as Bacha Coffee, dubbed the “Hermès of coffee,” and Godiva Bakery, an offshoot of the renowned Belgian chocolatier. These venues represent the first South Korean outposts for their respective brands, with Lotte Department Store and Hyundai Department Store each claiming bragging rights for their exclusive offerings. According to industry insiders, this trend reflects a pivot by department stores to emphasize “experiential” food and beverage options.
Until recently, these retail giants focused on bringing in popular domestic eateries like London Bagel Museum and Teddy Bear House. Now, they’ve expanded their scope to include international culinary hotspots. Lotte Department Store made the first move by opening Bacha Coffee’s inaugural Korean location on August 1.
Notably, a standalone store in Seoul’s upscale Cheongdam district was chosen rather than an in-store location. Lotte Department Store introduced Bacha Coffee, a Moroccan luxury cof.