Hyundai Department Store Signs Exclusive Licensing Agreement for Global Fashion Brand 'Aape'

Signed with Bape Hong Kong Limited
First Store to Open at The Hyundai Seoul on the 26th

Hyundai Department Store announced on the 18th that it has signed an exclusive domestic licensing agreement for the global street fashion brand 'Aape' with Bape Hong Kong Limited.

Aip Seoul Edition. Provided by Hyundai Department Store

Accordingly, the first store will open on the second basement floor of The Hyundai Seoul on September 26. Aape, a sub-line of the premium street fashion brand Bape, was launched in 2012 by Japanese fashion designer Nigo. The brand has garnered attention through collaborations with various brands such as Nike, Adidas, Eastpak, Dr. Martens, and Coach, and is currently popular in the United States, Canada, Japan, and China. In Korea, Aape has gained recognition as a brand worn by influential celebrities and fashion industry influencers.

The first Aape store in Korea, debuting with a size of 80 square meters (approximately 24 pyeong), will feature a 3-meter-tall 'Petboy' sculpture at its center. Petboy is Aape's signature character, inspired by an ape motif. The store will sell not only fashion items such as T-shirts and pants, but also popular Aape products including keyrings and bags.

To commemorate the store opening, the 'Aape Seoul Edition' will be unveiled as a global exclusive. This limited-edition T-shirt, jointly planned by Hyundai Department Store and Aape, has been produced in only 600 pieces.

Kim Kiyoung, team leader of the Jaju MD team at Hyundai Department Store, said, "Since last year, Aape has been selling some products at 'Peer,' a young fashion select shop operated by Hyundai Department Store. Among more than 70 brands available, Aape has consistently ranked in the top three in sales, demonstrating strong popularity among Millennials & Gen Z." He added, "This agreement is significant because it represents a virtuous cycle model in which we select competitive brands through our select shop, secure exclusive domestic sales rights, and nurture them as signature content."

A representative from Hyundai Department Store stated, "We plan to continue introducing exclusive editions that can only be found in the Korean market, leveraging Aape's specialized collaboration capabilities."