Kolon FnC Secures Exclusive Business Rights for 'Zippoer' in China and Japan

Golf Luxury Brand Jipore
Achieves 100 Billion KRW Domestic Sales in 2 Years
Kolon FnC "Will Seize Opportunity to Enter Asian Market"

Kolon FnC announced on the 12th that it has signed an exclusive master license agreement with the headquarters of luxury golf wear brand 'G/FORE' for the China and Japan regions. Kolon FnC aims to expand into the Asian market by conducting business in Korea, Japan, and China.

G/FORE is a designer golf wear brand launched in 2011 by Massimo Gianulli. Kolon FnC first introduced G/FORE to the domestic market in 2021. Kolon FnC operates its business by directly importing golf shoes, golf gloves, and other accessories, while planning and designing apparel products in-house.

Under the clear brand concept of 'disruptive luxury,' Kolon FnC targeted affluent customers aged 35 to 44, a demographic rarely seen in the existing golf wear market, thereby solidifying its customer base. The company established itself as a luxury brand by distributing 'fewer & better' products. Thanks to this, G/FORE achieved sales of 100 billion KRW just two years after its domestic launch last year.

The company will officially start business in the China and Japan markets from the spring and summer seasons next year. The company stated, "We will further expand the unique luxury branding firmly established domestically in products, marketing, and stores," adding, "We will engage in detailed marketing through localization."

In China, the brand will undergo repositioning to expand as a luxury sports brand encompassing golf. Kolon FnC plans to focus on introducing shoes and accessories in addition to the existing G/FORE products to establish itself as a luxury brand. Regarding stores, 30 locations will be opened over five years, mainly in cities with high purchasing power.

In Japan, the company also plans to strengthen its position as a luxury brand. To this end, it intends to open stores in premium shopping areas such as Ginza Six. The goal is to open 12 branches in major cities within five years. Currently, golf is becoming increasingly popular among female customers in Japan, which is expected to positively impact the business.

Yoo Seok-jin, CEO of Kolon FnC, said, “The master license agreement for China and Japan has been an opportunity to reaffirm Kolon FnC’s capabilities in branding and commercial design,” adding, “We will strive to become a partner for overseas expansion of various domestic and international brands.”