Shinsegae moving fast to join outdoor apparel market

Shinsegae International (SI) said yesterday it will enter the outdoor clothing market to compete with Amer Sports and Salomon Outdoor from the second half of the year.

SI said it plans to acquire domestic distribution outlets from both companies this year and start operating its new business shortly after.

Salomon Outdoor, a French brand specializing in mountain hiking boots and clothing, was imported and distributed in Korea by The Red Face until last year.

SI, which recently acquired the right to sell it here, plans to grow Salomon Outdoor into one of the country’s 10 largest outdoor brands by 2020 by strengthening its product line and expanding its distribution network.

The company said it will also produce its own outdoor supplies and clothing suitable for local use under the license, in addition to importing the two brands.

It plans to expand their networks by opening distribution and retail outlets, as well as opening outlets inside large discount stores.

Korea’s outdoor clothing market was worth 5 trillion won ($4.7 billion) last year. It stood at 2 trillion won in 2009, 2.6 trillion won in 2010 and 3.6 trillion won in 2011.