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Korea Herald
5 days ago
- Business
- Korea Herald
Tim Hortons shuts down first directly operated store in Korea, reflects global brand challenges
Canadian coffee brand Tim Hortons, operated in Korea by BKR, closed its Cheongna location in Incheon on Sunday, according to industry sources on Friday. This marks the first closure of a directly operated store since the brand entered Korea, coming just over a year after the location opened in April 2024. Industry experts attribute the decision to multiple factors, including declining profitability and the fierce competition within the saturated Korean coffee market. 'We are currently looking for a more suitable location within the Incheon area to better deliver the brand's original Canadian identity and emotional appeal to a broader range of consumers,' a Tim Hortons official said. Likewise, global coffee brands that have seen success overseas are finding it difficult to gain traction in Korea. Several coffee chains with strong brand loyalty in North America and Japan have recently scaled back or withdrawn their operations in the Korean market. US coffee brand Blue Bottle Coffee is also facing challenges in maintaining profitability. Since launching its first Korean store in Seoul's trendy Seongsu-dong neighborhood in 2019, Blue Bottle has rapidly expanded into key commercial districts. However, the brand now struggles under high fixed costs and intense market saturation. Blue Bottle Coffee Korea's revenue rose to 31.1 billion won ($22.9 million) in 2024, a 17 percent increase from 26.4 billion won in 2023. However, operating profit plummeted by 89 percent, reaching just 200 million won. The company also posted a net loss of 1.1 billion won, marking its first annual loss since entering the Korean market. Industry insiders point to the rapid pace of trend shifts and the unique dynamics of the Korean retail environment as key challenges for foreign coffee brands in Korea. 'Just a decade ago, Korea was often seen as a fallback market for global brands that had lost momentum elsewhere,' an industry official from the food and beverage sector said. 'But now, it's the opposite — if a brand can break through and gain a foothold with Korea's trend-sensitive consumers, it's seen as a stepping stone for faster, easier success in other Asian markets.' Such challenges are not limited to the food and beverage sector. Global beauty retail giant Sephora entered Korea in 2019, opening its first store in Parnas Mall in Seoul's Gangnam district. However, it withdrew from the Korean market in the first half of 2024 after just five years, unable to compete with domestic leader Olive Young. Just before its exit, Sephora Korea posted 13.7 billion won in sales in 2023, but suffered a hefty operating loss of 17.6 billion won.
Straits Times
24-04-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Shop, sip and stay a while: Japanese retailer makes a splash with cult favourite Blue Bottle Coffee
BRANDED CONTENT Shop, sip and stay a while: Japanese retailer makes a splash with cult favourite Blue Bottle Coffee Lumine has built upon its relationship with the famous American coffee brand to serve up an artisanal lifestyle experience at Raffles City As April showers poured outside, dining spots at Raffles City heaved with thirsty, hungry crowds. But even by Singapore standards, the queue for the newly opened Blue Bottle Coffee was unusually long. The man behind its arrival, Mr Teruyuki Omote, was not surprised. As president and chief executive officer of Lumine, he knew exactly what he was bringing to the table. He says: 'We're grateful that so many people are coming to Blue Bottle Coffee here. The Singapore store is a key pillar in our global strategy and serves as a launchpad to connect with the rest of Asia and beyond.' From left: Mr Kester Whitaker, chief growth officer and head of Asia at Blue Bottle Coffee; Mr Teruyuki Omote, president and chief executive officer of Lumine; and Mr Ervin Yeo, chief executive officer, Commercial Management, CapitaLand Investment. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA It is a big statement from the Japanese trendsetter that operates 16 locations in Tokyo – including three at Shinjuku Station, one of the world's busiest transport hubs. Known for curating Japanese fashion and lifestyle brands, Lumine could have easily filled its new around 7,000 sq ft global flagship space itself. But the multibrand retailer is tuning in to what well-travelled Singaporeans want: A stylish destination to shop, relax and catch up with friends over a carefully brewed cup of coffee and artfully made pastries. And to Mr Omote, there was only one brand that fit that vision – although the partnership almost did not materialise. Inside Lumine's Blue Bottle Coffee push Lumine is well-acquainted with the business and cultural value of a collaboration with Blue Bottle Coffee, with several of its Japanese malls housing the US company's cafes, including its newest cafe at Takanawa. Blue Bottle Coffee had long seen potential in South-east Asia, but was waiting for the right time and place to enter the region. Convinced Singapore was the right fit, Mr Omote took matters into his own hands. 'I flew to San Francisco myself to convince them, as I truly believed that Blue Bottle Coffee was essential to Lumine's new global flagship. It is a partner that shares Japanese values and cultural sensibilities,' he explains. That meeting in 2023 with Mr Kester Whitaker, Blue Bottle Coffee's chief growth officer and head of Asia, proved decisive. A curated blend of coffee and culture, Blue Bottle Coffee at Lumine Singapore reflects a lifestyle that resonates with modern consumers. PHOTO: LUMINE 'Singapore had long been in our top list of cities we have to be in, but the question for us was timing, when it would be right for us to enter South-east Asia,' says Mr Whitaker. What ultimately swayed the brand was trust and timing. He adds: 'If Lumine and Omote-san were coming to Singapore and South-east Asia and they have a reason to be here, then we could get behind that and align with it.' It was also the right moment in Blue Bottle's growth, following its expansion into Japan, Korea and Hong Kong. Blending the right cross-cultural ingredients Blue Bottle Coffee may have been born in Oakland, California, in 2002, but it attributes its growth to the Japanese coffee culture. Its first international foray was to Japan in 2015. 'Blue Bottle Coffee draws inspiration from Japanese cafe culture, uses Japanese-made cups and bottles, and embraces Japanese hospitality in its staff training,' says Mr Omote. Blue Bottle Coffee's signature minimalism comes through in its Lumine Singapore outlet, creating a calm, open space for conversation and coffee. PHOTO: BLUE BOTTLE COFFEE Mr Whitaker says the coffee specialist thinks of itself as an East-West company. 'We espouse the aesthetics, values and hospitality that cross those borders. There's a lot of bringing California and East Asian aesthetics together to create something that becomes Blue Bottle,' he explains. The two partners also believe in co-creating cultural values with local sensibilities. For Blue Bottle Coffee, this ethos has delivered success not only in Japan but also in South Korea, where it entered in 2019, Hong Kong in 2020 and mainland China in 2022. What has stood out for Mr Whitaker is the international attraction of Blue Bottle Coffee even as it is established in each local location. Many of the guests to the Blue Bottle Coffee outlets in Japan, Korea and China were not from the three countries, he says. 'They were coming from other markets, from Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore,' says Mr Whitaker. Inside Lumine Singapore at Raffles City, discerning shoppers will find curated fashion, design and artisanal goods come together in a visually striking retail space. PHOTO: LUMINE This prompted the company to more seriously consider entering South-east Asia. The region is also top-of-mind for Lumine, which sees Singapore as central to its expansion strategy. 'South-east Asia is an exciting market for Lumine due to its economic growth and evolving cultural landscape,' says Mr Omote. For Blue Bottle Coffee as well, Singapore is the right place to start to explore the wider regional opportunity. 'If you consider our brand heat and brand connection with South-east Asia, Singapore has got everything in one place – culturally, interconnectivity, transport and business links – and it's the right place to gain the experience and start a conversation about what's next for Blue Bottle,' says Mr Whitaker. Why Singapore is just the beginning While Lumine and Blue Bottle Coffee mull their next steps, CapitaLand – the landlord behind Raffles City – is already thinking ahead. 'We're happy that Raffles City is home to the first global flagship in Asia for Lumine and Blue Bottle Coffee, but we don't want it to be the last,' says Mr Ervin Yeo, chief executive officer, Commercial Management, CapitaLand Investment. CapitaLand manages Raffles City and 17 other malls in Singapore, like Bugis Junction, Funan and Plaza Singapura. Mr Yeo adds: 'When a brand comes to Singapore, we want them to succeed – and we want their first store to be the start of something bigger.' Raffles City has entrusted Lumine with what it considers to be 'a very important' location, which fronts high-profile heritage buildings that resonate with local residents and international visitors alike. Blue Bottle Coffee's first South-east Asian outlet is nestled within Lumine Singapore at Raffles City – a strategic launchpad for both brands' regional ambitions. PHOTO: LUMINE He says: 'The space that Lumine and Blue Bottle Coffee have settled in is very important for us. From a business perspective, it is important that Lumine and the first Blue Bottle Coffee store does well in Singapore, as this will give the partners confidence to expand.' He adds that expanding into other CapitaLand properties would be a boon for the real estate group that has an extensive retail and commercial ecosystem. Mr Omote does not see Singapore as just another market. For Lumine, it is a long-term base from which to grow its international presence. 'We do aim to strengthen our global presence from Singapore by collaborating with partners who share our vision – not limited to high-end brands, but also those who align with our values and cultural approach,' he says. Step into Lumine Singapore and savour a Blue Bottle Coffee moment – now open at Raffles City. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Blue Bottle Coffee to Open Its First Nevada Location at UnCommons
Specialty coffee company to bring exceptional coffee and distinct cafe experience to Southwest Las Vegas in March 2025 Photos available for download here. LAS VEGAS, Feb. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Bottle Coffee will open its first Nevada coffee shop at UnCommons, Southwest Las Vegas' vibrant 40-acre urban campus across from the new Durango Casino & Resort. Set to open in March, the cafe will bring Blue Bottle's expertly roasted coffee, brewed with care, to both Las Vegas locals and visitors. More than just a cafe, the new location will be a place to slow down, savor each cup and embrace the quality and hospitality that defines Blue Bottle. Since its founding in Oakland, California in 2002, Blue Bottle has been dedicated to creating meaningful coffee moments. With a meticulous approach to sourcing, roasting and brewing, Blue Bottle invites guests to discover their perfect cup, whether they prefer bold blends or bright, lightly roasted single origins, or the beloved New Orleans-Style Iced Coffee (NOLA) – a guest favorite made with coffee, chicory and a hint of sweetness. Blue Bottle's arrival in Las Vegas marks the next chapter in its global expansion as it brings cafes to new communities around the world. Following recent expansion across Asia, the opening at UnCommons represents Blue Bottle's first new US market in recent years. Alongside this milestone, the company remains focused on strengthening its presence in existing markets and furthering its global reach. "Las Vegas is a dynamic and fast-growing market, making it a meaningful addition to Blue Bottle's ongoing growth," said Karl Strovink, CEO of Blue Bottle Coffee. "As we expand into new and existing markets, this opening allows us to share our dedication to serving beautifully crafted coffee. Our cafe at UnCommons will be a welcoming space where guests can gather and experience the artistry and care that make Blue Bottle special." The new café will join a curated lineup of exceptional dining, residential and lifestyle offerings at UnCommons, which has quickly become a cornerstone of Southwest Las Vegas. "Blue Bottle Coffee embodies the level of thoughtfulness and excellence that defines the UnCommons experience," said Jim Stuart, partner at Matter Real Estate Group. "Their commitment to craftsmanship makes them a natural fit for our community. We're thrilled to welcome them to Southwest Las Vegas as they continue their journey of transforming coffee culture." More information about UnCommons is on the website at as well as on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. To learn more about Blue Bottle Coffee, visit or follow the brand on Instagram and Facebook. About Blue Bottle CoffeeBlue Bottle Coffee was founded by James Freeman in Oakland, California, in 2002 with a simple yet revolutionary idea: to serve delicious coffee, roasted fresh and brewed to order, sourced from the finest coffee farms. Today, Blue Bottle is a global network of cafes in the US and Asia. We are the leader in specialty coffee, driven by our obsession for quality and our commitment to environmental health. Our belief is simple and our goal unchanged: to connect the world to delicious coffee, because delicious coffee makes life more beautiful. Follow Blue Bottle on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, or visit for more information. About UnCommonsUnCommons, a groundbreaking 40-acre urban campus in southwest Las Vegas, is transforming the way people work, live, and connect through forward-thinking design and a community-centered approach. At the heart of UnCommons is a vibrant dining scene, showcasing the finest in local and regional culinary talent. Trendsetting restaurants, including all'Antico Vinaio, AMARI Italian Kitchen & Wine Shop, General Admission, Salt & Straw, SunLife Organics, Teaspoon, Todo Bien, Urth Caffé and Wineaux, offer a world-class dining experience, with more exciting openings to come in 2025. Vestra provides the ultimate in luxury apartment living with 830+ contemporary residential units and resort-style amenities, including a spacious pool, co-working areas and features for pampering pets. UnCommons is also home to a curated selection of lifestyle brands like Speakeasy Candle Co., Capelli Salon, and Daela Cosmetic Tattoos, as well as fitness hubs such as The Good Place, set to open soon. The campus is further enriched by The Assembly by Kiln, a next-generation 5,000-square-foot conference and event space, and Kiln's innovative coworking and lifestyle space, slated to debut in spring 2025. UnCommons features over 500,000 square feet of cutting-edge office space, which is home to leading companies including DraftKings, CBRE, BDO and Deloitte. Developed by Matter Real Estate Group and designed by globally renowned architectural firm, Gensler, UnCommons prioritizes sustainability and environmental stewardship, earning coveted certifications from WELL™ Certification and Green Globes®. More information is available on the website at on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Blue Bottle Coffee LLC Sign in to access your portfolio
