Today : Apr 16, 2025
Arts & Culture
15 April 2025

Design Salon Seoul 2025 Explores Retail Design Trends

The upcoming conference will focus on brand strategies and consumer connections in uncertain times.

The upcoming 'Design Salon Seoul 2025' is set to take place at COEX from May 8 to May 11, 2025, focusing on innovative strategies for retail space design amidst the uncertainties of today's market. This year's theme, 'Retail Space Design to Build Brand Success Strategies & Fandom in an Age of Uncertainty', will feature insights from 12 industry experts, sharing the latest trends and case studies in the evolving landscape of retail design.

As the world grapples with economic fluctuations and changing consumer behaviors, brands are increasingly recognizing the need to connect with their audiences beyond mere products. The 'Design Salon Seoul 2025' aims to explore how brands can effectively communicate their identities through well-designed spaces, fostering loyalty and community among consumers.

The conference will kick off with a series of lectures on May 8, where Kwon Jung-yoon, a researcher at the Seoul National University Consumer Trend Analysis Center, will present on 'Real Trends of Korean Women in their 20s and 30s'. This presentation will delve into the preferences and interests of a significant consumer demographic that plays a crucial role in shaping market trends in Korea.

Following Kwon's presentation, Lee Jung-min, CEO of Trend Lab 506, will discuss 'Finding Retail Direction in an Age of Uncertainty', offering insights into how brands can navigate the unpredictable retail environment. Lee's expertise will provide valuable guidance for businesses looking to adapt their strategies in response to shifting consumer expectations.

Additionally, Kwon Oh-jeong, CEO of Nofake Marketing, will emphasize the importance of creative strategy planning in his talk titled 'The Power of Creative Strategy Planning in the Age of Marketing Fever'. Kwon's session will highlight how brands can differentiate themselves and capture consumer attention in a saturated market.

The second day of the conference, May 9, will shift focus to the latest trends in retail space design that cultivate brand fandom. Lim Dae-sun, CEO of the furniture brand IST Edition, will present 'IST Edition's Approach to Delivering Korean Aesthetics to the World', showcasing how cultural elements can be integrated into design to enhance brand identity.

Design studio Urup's directors, Kim Jong-yoon and Kim Hyun-jin, will take the stage with their presentation, 'Blending the Boundaries: Connecting Space and Thoughts'. This session will explore the organic relationship between space and brand identity, emphasizing how thoughtful design can create immersive experiences for consumers.

Moreover, Sung Hye-jin, CBO of HIT THE TEA, will share her insights on building a strong brand fandom through her experience with the matcha brand. Her talk will provide practical examples of how to engage consumers on a deeper level, transforming them into loyal advocates for the brand.

Cho Hyung-rae, CEO of B.I.N.T, will explore the intersection of digital art and space in his presentation 'Expansion of Latent Potential, Spatial Branding through Digital Commerce'. This discussion will highlight the potential of digital innovations in enhancing retail experiences and creating memorable brand interactions.

The conference will conclude with two notable presentations. Kim Geon-sik and Kim Yong-cheol, CEOs of Studio Kim Guk-cheol, will present 'Space Speaks: The Art of Imbuing Brands into Space', focusing on how design can effectively communicate brand messages. Following this, Oh Hyun-joo and Lee Beom-soo, directors of Anma Dangtherap, will discuss 'Landscape Design Immersed in Brand Space Beyond Retail Therapy', addressing the importance of landscaping in creating inviting retail environments.

In conjunction with the 'Design Salon Seoul 2025', the '2025 The Mesage' exhibition will also be held from May 8 to May 11 at COEX A Hall. This premium living exhibition aims to enrich lives by showcasing a variety of premium living brands and trends, providing attendees with a comprehensive experience of the latest in lifestyle and design.

Tickets for both events can be purchased through the official Home Table Deco Fair website. As the retail landscape continues to evolve, 'Design Salon Seoul 2025' promises to offer invaluable insights and strategies for brands looking to thrive in an age of uncertainty.