Shinsegae Department Store launches first Pom Pom Purin bakery cafe in Seoul

Shinsegae Department Store opened the country’s first Pom Pom Purin bakery‑café on the B1 level of its Gangnam flagship on 29 April. The café, created to celebrate the Sanrio character’s 30th anniversary, offers more than 100 themed items—including imported Japanese snacks, character‑shaped breads such as “Pom Purin night loaf” and “butt‑shaped red bean bun,” as well as merchandise like plush toys, mugs and tote bags.

The launch came as South Korea’s retail sector posted a strong first‑half performance. According to the Ministry of Trade, overall offline and online sales rose 7.3 % year‑on‑year, driven by a 20 % surge in department‑store revenue, higher luxury‑goods purchases and a rise in foreign tourist spending. Shinsegae’s own department‑store sales grew about 20 % compared with the same period last year, contributing to the sector’s rebound after a previous decline.