French Gourmet Foods Now Available Online at Hyundai Department Store
Seoul, South Korea – Hyundai Department Store announced today a landmark partnership with Le Bon Marché, the world’s oldest department store, to bring the Parisian retailer’s renowned food hall, La Grande Épicerie de Paris, to Asian consumers. The agreement, formalized in a ceremony at Le Bon Marché’s VIP meeting room in Paris, marks the first time La Grande Épicerie has entered into a global partnership with an Asian retailer.
Under the terms of the agreement, Hyundai Department Store will initially offer over 400 products from La Grande Épicerie’s private label range, including olive oils, jams, and sauces, through its online channels. The selection will later be expanded to include a wider range of European gourmet foods and made available in select Hyundai Department Store locations, according to a statement released by Hyundai.
“This partnership represents a significant step for Hyundai Department Store in elevating its offerings and providing customers with access to exclusive, high-quality products,” said Jung Ji-young, President of Hyundai Department Store, during the signing ceremony. Gilles Roderick, CEO of La Grande Épicerie, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the opportunity to introduce French culinary culture to a new audience.
The collaboration extends beyond product sales. Hyundai and Le Bon Marché plan to co-create immersive experiences, including exhibitions and themed events, designed to showcase French gastronomy. Discussions are underway to host a large-scale French culinary festival at key Hyundai locations, such as The Hyundai Seoul, later this year.
The move comes as Hyundai Department Store seeks to differentiate itself in a competitive retail landscape. The partnership with Le Bon Marché is viewed as a strategic initiative to attract discerning consumers and enhance the department store’s image as a purveyor of luxury and unique experiences. Hyundai’s online platform will be the initial point of access for these products, with a phased rollout to physical stores planned for the future.
La Grande Épicerie, established as part of Le Bon Marché in 1838, is celebrated for its curated selection of artisanal foods and its commitment to quality. The partnership with Hyundai Department Store signals a broader strategy by La Grande Épicerie to expand its reach beyond France, leveraging the Hyundai’s established retail network and customer base in Asia.