Margaret Howell begins South Korea expansion with Seoul store
British designer brand Margaret Howell has opened at Shinsegae Main in Seoul, beginning a phased South Korean rollout with more locations to be added throughout the year.
The shop opened on 22 September on the fourth floor of Shinsegae Department Store’s main branch in Seoul’s Jung-gu district. The locations of future stores have not been confirmed.
Margaret Howell has made Samsung C&T its sole distributor in South Korea for its Margaret Howell and MHL. collections. Under the agreement clothing, footwear, homeware and accessories will be sold through department stores, BEAKER locations and Samsung C&T’s ecommerce platform.
"We are incredibly proud to be further strengthening the brand’s long- standing relationship with South Korea through the opportunity to showcase the Margaret Howell lifestyle and product range across a number of exceptional locations," said Caroline Attwood, Managing Director, Margaret Howell.
"We know there is a deep appreciation in South Korea for our values of quality, utility and longevity, and we are delighted to bring the brand closer to our South Korean audience in their home market.The enduring support and connection to Margaret Howell is something we greatly value."
Gradual international growth
The rollout follows the measured expansion strategy Attwood outlined in a December 2024 interview with TheIndustry.fashion. At the time, she said that the company had not pursued rapid growth but saw room to extend its international reach and wholesale presence.
Margaret Howell was founded in London in 1970 and remains known for its distinctly British sensibility with a focus on timeless design, natural materials and functional clothing. Its largest overseas presence has traditionally been Japan, where owner TSI Holdings operated more than 70 stores when Attwood was interviewed in 2024.
The brand will support the South Korean launch with a dedicated issue of brand-documentary publication Magazine B. A related pop-up is scheduled to run at BEAKER’s Hannam flagship in Seoul from 14 to 28 October.
