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Tag: GenZtrends

  • Up to 80% Off and Offline Debut of ‘MUSINSA USED’: A New Era of Value-Based Shopping

    Lotte Department Store has launched the nation’s first “MUSINSA OUTLET” at Lotte Mall Eunpyeong, accelerating its influence in the northwestern Seoul fashion market.

    Spanning approximately 1,587 square meters, the outlet features over 200 brands popular among Gen-Z and Millennials, offering year-round discounts of up to 80% across apparel, accessories, and beauty products.

    A key highlight is the offline debut of “MUSINSA USED,” a re-commerce section offering authenticated pre-owned goods from 70 major brands.

    Unlike previous online-only channels, this physical space allows customers to inspect product conditions firsthand, enhancing trust in second-hand shopping.

    The store also includes a “Boutique Zone” for entry-level luxury and a “Beauty Zone” for specialized K-beauty curation and testing.

    Lotte Mall Eunpyeong is undergoing a phased renewal to become a fashion landmark, following a 20% revenue growth in its fashion sector last year.

    By integrating traditional outlet discounts with modern re-commerce, Lotte aims to capture the growing trend of “value consumption” among young shoppers. The group plans to continue introducing competitive anchor tenants to maintain its trendsetting position.

    [ONLINE-KOREA: Letter from Korea]

    Do you know about the Korean fashion brand called Musinsa❓

    Recently, while coming across many of Musinsa’s products, I wondered, “What happens to the unsold inventory?” It turns out they operate outlets! I think it is wonderful that consumers can purchase items at such affordable prices 😃💡

    However, looking at their collection, I feel it might be somewhat lacking for those who want to express their unique individuality—much like other budget SPA brands. The quality of the products doesn’t seem particularly outstanding either… 💦

    Musinsa is aggressively expanding its scale with massive global advertising and seems to aspire to be recognized as the brand representing Korea. Yet, because of these factors, I personally feel it might be a bit of a stretch to call them the brand that truly represents Korean fashion 😥

    Of course, there might be some good items among them. But if you are looking for higher quality or more unique items within Musinsa, keep in mind that they carry a wide variety of domestic and international brands besides their own. Especially during sale periods, you might be able to find great items at very reasonable prices, so be sure to explore the diverse options 😃💡

  • Matcha Craze: Korea’s Gen Z Fuels the Healthy Pleasure Trend

    In Korea, matcha has become a rising lifestyle trend among Gen Z, celebrities, and social media users.

    Unlike brewed green tea, matcha is consumed in powdered form, offering a richer taste, lower caffeine, and abundant antioxidants. On Instagram, the hashtag #matcha has surpassed 9.4 million posts, reflecting global interest.

    Convenience stores in Korea are quickly tapping into the “Matcha Core” trend.
    CU has launched over 10 matcha products in the past three months — from lattes and donuts to cream bread and even makgeolli. Its August sales jumped 129.8% year-on-year. GS25 also expanded its lineup to 30 items, with a chef-collaboration “Matcha Makgeolli” selling out all 9,000 bottles in just one day. Overall, GS25’s August sales surged more than 50 times compared to last year.

    Experts note that matcha’s green color visually conveys an image of “health,” while the Healthy + Pleasure trend and social media sharing culture are fueling its popularity. However, they recommend a daily intake of 2–3g, cautioning that overconsumption may burden digestion.

  • Vegan-Certified POINT Mascara Remover Sells 50,000 Units Nationwide

    The cleansing brand POINT’s “Deep Clean Quick Mascara Remover” became a hit at Daiso, selling out all 50,000 units both online and offline.

    Launched in June, the product quickly gained attention on social media for offering “performance comparable to high-end brands” at a “reasonable price.” Within three weeks, Daiso Mall sold out, and by early September, the entire supply was gone.

    With its smudge-free gel texture and comb-type applicator, it effectively removes even waterproof mascara while being gentle on the eyes. Priced at just 5,000 KRW, it also includes moisturizing and nourishing ingredients for lash care. Certified by the Korea Vegan Certification Institute, the product resonates with the growing trend of value-driven consumption.

    A brand representative said, “By focusing on vegan certification and skin irritation tests, we saw an enthusiastic response, especially among Gen Z consumers,” adding that a second stock was quickly replenished after the initial sell-out.

    This success highlights how affordable pricing and reliable product quality strongly appeal to younger consumers.