CBRE Korea Advises BLUE ELEPHANT on Its First U.S. Flagship Store Supports K-Brand Expansion into a Prime North American Retail District

- Provided site selection and leasing advisory services aligned with the brand’s identity and target customer profile
- Builds on its work with Olive Young to expand advisory support for Korean retail brands entering prime U.S. retail districts

September 7, 2026 (Seoul) – CBRE Korea, the world's largest commercial real estate services company, announced today that it provided site selection and leasing advisory services to Korean lifestyle eyewear brand BLUE ELEPHANT for its first flagship store in the United States.

BLUE ELEPHANT officially opened its first U.S. flagship store on August 13 on North Beverly Drive in Beverly Hills, California. The store spans approximately 650 sq. m. (7,000 sq. ft.). Building on the product development and retail operating expertise it has cultivated in Korea, the opening marks the brand’s direct entry into the North American market following its expansion into Japan. BLUE ELEPHANT plans to use the Beverly Hills flagship as a strategic hub to better understand local consumer preferences and purchasing behavior while expanding its customer reach and business presence across the United States.

As the brand’s first flagship in the U.S., the store is intended to serve not only as a retail location but also as a platform for establishing BLUE ELEPHANT’s market positioning and laying the foundation for future growth. This required a comprehensive assessment of customer demographics, brand compatibility and visibility from the earliest stages of site selection.

North Beverly Drive met these strategic requirements. It is one of the key high streets within Beverly Hills’ Golden Triangle, home to a concentration of global luxury and contemporary fashion brands and restaurants. Popular with both local consumers and international visitors, the location offers BLUE ELEPHANT a strong platform to build brand awareness and broaden its customer reach in North America.

Based on BLUE ELEPHANT’s North American expansion and retail strategy, CBRE Korea’s Retail team supported the brand with local site selection and leasing advisory services. Leveraging CBRE’s global network, the team provided market intelligence on prospective locations, neighboring brand mix, accessibility and brand visibility. It also assisted with the evaluation of sites on North Beverly Drive and advised on local leasing practices and key commercial terms, while supporting lease negotiations.

Korean brands are increasingly approaching international expansion as more than simply opening stores. They are seeking strategic locations that can establish their positioning in local markets and provide a foundation for medium- to long-term growth. Following its advisory work for Olive Young’s store at Westfield Century City in Los Angeles, CBRE Korea has supported BLUE ELEPHANT’s Beverly Hills flagship, further extending its work with Korean retail brands entering prime U.S. retail districts.

Ryan Kim, Head of Retail, CBRE Korea, said, “While K-brands continue to gain global recognition, entering prime international retail districts requires a professional approach to selecting locations that align with each brand’s strategy, establishing credibility with landlords and navigating local leasing structures. Leveraging CBRE’s global network and data-driven retail market analytics, CBRE Korea will continue to strengthen its role as a strategic partner supporting the international expansion and long-term growth of Korean retail brands.”