May 31 (Asia Today) -- CJ Group Chairman Lee Jay-hyun is moving to connect the company's food, beauty and entertainment businesses into a unified consumer strategy as the South Korean conglomerate expands its presence in North America.
Lee recently visited key CJ business sites in Minnesota and California to review U.S.
operations and long-term growth plans, CJ Group said Sunday.
Industry analysts said the trip reflects CJ's effort to build a broader K-lifestyle ecosystem centered on the North American market.
A key stop was Olive Young Pasadena, the beauty retailer's first U.S.
store, which opened Friday in California.
Olive Young said the Pasadena store and a dedicated U.S.
online platform mark its official U.S.
The company said the store is intended to introduce K-beauty and wellness brands to American consumers through both in-store and online channels.
CJ plans to develop the store as more than a retail outlet.
The Pasadena location carries about 400 brands and more than 5,000 products, many from small and midsize Korean companies, positioning Olive Young as a platform linking U.S.
consumers with Korean beauty brands.
The push comes as Korean cosmetics exports continue to grow.
South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety said the country's cosmetics exports reached $11.4 billion last year, making South Korea the world's No.
2 cosmetics exporter after France.
The United States....
