Allbirds enters South Korea

New Zealand’s footwear label Allbirds is expanding its retail network into South Korea. From the early stages of Allbirds’ international expansion plan, South Korea was always high on the destination list as the company makes its Wool Runner product in Busan.

“As we continue to expand our international footprint, we’re excited to finally enter the Korean market and connect with our existing community here, further establishing Allbirds as an important sustainable fashion player in Asia,” said Sandeep Verma, head of international.

The company considers South Korea as a strategic market as it looks to strengthen its presence in greater Asia.

“Allbirds’ mission to tread lighter on the planet has resonated with people far and wide, from Berlin to New York, from LA to Shanghai, and we’re delighted to share our purpose-led products and a world-class level of care with our Korean customers,” Verma said.

Founded in 2016 by New Zealand footballer Tim Brown, who later teamed with American biotech engineer Joey Zwillinger, Allbirds now sells in 35 countries with more than 20 of its own brick-and-mortar stores worldwide. The brand is renowned for its logo-free sneakers made from sustainable materials.

“The response we’ve received thus far has been beyond what we could’ve ever imagined when we first started this,” said Zwillinger, Co-CEO of Allbirds, referring to the international expansion program.

Last April, Allbirds became the first apparel brand to label all of its products with a Carbon Footprint score, designed to inform customers of the carbon impact of its products.