In a groundbreaking move, the prominent Asian retail and brand distributor, Bluebell Group, has unveiled an expansion of the highly sought-after Korean fashion eyewear brand, Gentle Monster, into the Australian market. This expansion has materialized with the introduction of a new point-of-sale in Sydney.
Nestled on Elizabeth Street, on the ground floor of the esteemed department store, David Jones, the newly inaugurated Gentle Monster retail store is poised to captivate visitors with its iconic kinetic art installation, referred to as the ‘Giant Head.’ Within these walls, patrons will have the opportunity to explore Gentle Monster’s latest eyewear collections, meticulously crafted for both men and women.
This significant achievement on Elizabeth Street follows a fruitful collaboration between Gentle Monster and the Bluebell Group. Their partnership initially marked Gentle Monster’s entry into the travel retail space in the southern hemisphere, commencing at Sydney Airport in November 2022.
The future holds even more promise as the Bluebell Group has announced its plans for the first Gentle Monster Australia flagship store, set to open its doors in July 2024. Specific location details are currently held confidential.
Ngadiman, Managing Director of Bluebell Southeast Asia and Australia, underscores the importance of this collaboration, stating, «This first foray into Sydney’s domestic market marks a significant milestone for both the brand and Bluebell. It signifies a recognition of our close and fruitful partnership. I am deeply honored by the trust Gentle Monster has placed in our teams, and I’m excited to be part of the journey toward an exciting future for the brand in Australia. The brand’s unique and disruptive presence in the fashion eyewear category underscores our team’s commitment to delivering retail excellence.»
The newly unveiled Gentle Monster space on Elizabeth Street welcomed its first customers on October 25.
Established in 1954, the Bluebell Group boasts a robust presence across various Asian regions, including Japan, South Korea, mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau, Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia, and now, Australia. The group’s expansive distribution network encompasses flagship stores, shop-in-shops, counters, multi-brand concepts, and a comprehensive wholesale network, catering to both domestic and travel retail segments.
The Bluebell Group operates across an extensive range of product categories, encompassing accessories, footwear, apparel, fragrance, beauty, jewelry, watches, and more. In addition to the collaboration with Gentle Monster, the group partners with numerous international brands such as Acne Studios, Balmain, Celine, Christian Dior, Kenzo, Marc Jacobs, Stone Island, Tod’s, and many others.