[Global Hit Item] Snowboard Clothing Captivating Japan: "As Comfortable as Everyday Wear"

Special Guest, 60% Overseas Sales Share
Maintaining Functionality, Street Fashion Design
Global Business Expansion in China, USA, and More

"Instead of typical snowboard wear, I wanted to create a brand infused with the sensibility and fit of street fashion. I personally tested the products in intense environments to improve any inconveniences and actively incorporated feedback from surrounding enthusiasts."

Easy pants sold at Special Guest.
[Photo by Cafe24]

On Youngtae, CEO of Special Guest, said in an interview with Asia Economy on the 25th, "As an enthusiast who has enjoyed snowboarding for over 19 years, I started making the products myself to resolve the discomfort I felt while wearing snowboard wear. We maintained the necessary functionalities such as waterproofing, windproofing, and moisture resistance, while applying a clean street fashion design suitable for everyday wear. We have been operating an online shopping mall for 10 years based on the global e-commerce platform Cafe24," he said.

Special Guest has entered the Japanese snowboard market and has been growing about 30% annually after recording sales of 1 billion KRW in 2020. CEO Ahn introduced, "As of last year, about 60% of total sales come from overseas sales. In particular, we have gained great popularity by collaborating with Japan's number one snowboard brand to showcase snowboards and snowboard wear."

The flagship product, ‘Easy Pants,’ has received positive responses for its comfortable and lightweight material. CEO Ahn explained, "Existing snowboard pants had wide hems to completely cover boots due to the constraint of having to wear boots. Special Guest designed the Easy Pants with narrower hems that can be tightened with straps, and the waist part is made with band material to enhance mobility."

Special Guest’s products boast a return rate of less than 1%. CEO Ahn stated, "We use fabrics and accessories produced domestically, and improve quality by checking and inspecting each process one by one. Most customers purchase after confirming the actual product through acquaintances, so satisfaction is very high."

Special Guest plans to expand its global business in earnest. CEO Ahn emphasized, "Currently, the Japanese shopping mall is showing growth, and we plan to expand sales areas to China, the United States, and other countries. We will optimize shopping mall designs according to each country and provide better services and products to customers through detailed page production using Edibot."