Mark Gonzales: "From Myeongdong to the World - Global Street Vibe"

American street fashion brand Mark Gonzales is launching its full-scale entry into the global market, targeting both the local MZ generation and foreign tourists, starting from its newly opened flagship store in Myeongdong, Seoul.

Mark Gonzales, operated by lifestyle specialist company The Nature Holdings Co., Ltd., held a press conference at its Myeongdong flagship store in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the 17th to commemorate the opening of its 20th store in Korea, revealing its vision to become a 'global leading street brand' with sales of 100 billion KRW by 2030.

At the event, key figures including Park Beom-jun, Vice President of The Nature Holdings, Lim Choong-hyun CFO(Executive Director), and Yoo Seung-yoon, Managing Director of Mark Gonzales Business Division, attended to share the brand's growth strategy and vision.

#Myeongdong, the Forward Base for Global Expansion
The Mark Gonzales Myeongdong flagship store is strategically located in Myeongdong, known as Seoul's 'number one shopping street for foreigners,' aiming to expand its reach to foreign tourists visiting Korea. According to the Korea Tourism Organization, the number of tourists visiting Korea last year increased by 48.4% compared to the previous year, reaching 16.37 million, with a continued upward trend expected this year.

The store, which spans two floors, fully captures the brand's free-spirited and cheerful street vibe. It is designed to allow visitors to intuitively experience the brand's universe with various objects and photo zones inspired by Mark Gonzales' signature character, 'Angel.' Visitors can find seasonal items, collaboration products with Barrel and Pepsi, accessories, and gear all in one place.

Managing Director Yoo Seung-yoon said, “In the early part of this year, over 90% of customers at the Myeongdong Aland pop-up store were foreigners, and we expect even higher figures for this flagship store,” adding, “The high popularity in Taiwan and Hong Kong will positively impact this.”

Vice President Park Beom-jun also emphasized, “The Myeongdong store is a stepping stone for Mark Gonzales' full-scale global entry,” and “We will expand flagship stores at key domestic and international locations to showcase Mark Gonzales' unique street vibe on the global stage.”

#Leap Towards the Global Market
Mark Gonzales plans to expand its target customer base from the existing 10s to 20s to the early 30s, and strengthen the differentiation of its street mood and graphics to enhance brand competitiveness through subculture marketing based on fandom.

In particular, it is actively targeting the Greater China market, focusing on Hong Kong and Taiwan. In Taiwan, the first and second stores are recording monthly sales of over 150 million KRW, ranking 6th among 10 competing brands. Three new stores are planned to open in Taiwan in the second half of this year, and two more in the first half of next year, to expand local market share.

Vice President Park explained, “Both Taiwan and Hong Kong have a high interest in K-fashion, so we expect positive results,” and “Mark Gonzales is performing well compared to similar-sized fashion brands, and we will continue to strengthen local marketing to raise brand awareness.”

#A Space to Experience Brand Heritage
This Myeongdong flagship store is designed as an experiential space where visitors can vividly feel the brand's identity and heritage, beyond just a retail space. The photo zone on the second floor of the store allows visitors to see the Mark Gonzales archive at a glance, enabling them to naturally connect with the brand.

Meanwhile, to commemorate the opening, various benefits are offered to customers visiting the store. All purchasers receive an Angel logo fan, and gifts such as socks, keyrings, and reusable bags are provided based on purchase amounts.

Mark Gonzales plans to expand flagship stores in core domestic and international locations, starting with the Myeongdong flagship store, to bring a new wave to the global fashion market with its free and unique street vibe.