ARTBOX, a Korean design-lifestyle retailer founded in Seoul in 1984, will open its first directly operated US retail activation at 8250 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, from October 3 to 11, 2026. Public hours are 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM on October 3 and 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM from October 4 to 11.
The opening on October 3 will feature an appearance by the K-pop group ILLIT — YUNAH, MINJU, WONHEE and IROHA — whom the retailer names as its global ambassador. The group will join the opening remarks and a photo call, meet selected media and tour the store, including a DIY decorating activity. ARTBOX said the partnership brings together two Korean names that each reach large Gen Z audiences.
Inside, the pop-up is laid out as a series of zones: an entrance anchored by oversized ARTBOX characters, among them the alien character Lazywag, and visual content; a section for the company's original characters alongside character merchandise, collectibles, stationery and accessories; a K-culture area featuring ILLIT and photo moments; a customization corner where visitors can personalize items such as journals, phones and accessories; and a closing shopping area with ARTBOX products and a Gacha experience. The visit is designed to take roughly 40 to 45 minutes, the company said.
ARTBOX operates 222 stores across South Korea and carries more than 20,000 active SKUs spanning eight lifestyle categories, including stationery and writing, home and living, beauty and wellness, character goods and K-culture, fashion and travel, gifts and seasonal products, digital and mobile accessories, and food and snacks.
Los Angeles is the retailer's first step into the US market, with Southern California serving as the first phase of broader expansion plans. Kevin Cho, head of global business at ARTBOX, said Los Angeles brings together culture, creativity and diverse communities, and described the pop-up as a first step in introducing the company's take on Korean lifestyle retail to US consumers. ARTBOX said it is exploring longer-term retail opportunities with landlords and development partners in the United States.