By Chung Hee-hyung

The Lotte Duty Free Shop said Thursday that the remodeling of its duty-free cosmetics store in Jamsil is complete and will open Friday.

It has added 1,567 square meters to the existing branch and boasts an additional 74 new brands to its existing line of cosmetics labels. This is aimed at luring Chinese and Japanese customers who are well known of their taste for high-end brands.

“We have decided to undertake a major improvement and upgrade to accommodate the increasing numbers of foreign customers, “said Joo Dong-gook, manager of the Lotte Duty Free Shop in Jamsil. “The new store will provide a unique and comfortable shopping experience.”

The recent Korean wave has prompted foreigners to buy more Korean cosmetics which once had little appeal outside the country’s domestic market. For the Lotte store, sales in May from Chinese and Japanese customers increased by 58 and 145 percent respectively.

The shop had previously only occupied the 10th floor of the Lotte Department Store, but the renovation has expanded it to include the ninth floor as well.

Cosmetics and perfume to be sold at the re-opened store include Sisley, Benefit, la Mer, Marc Jacobs and Lanvin. The store’s BB Cream Zone has also undergone a major facelift in an apparent attempt to appeal to Japanese visitors who are the main customers for color and skincare products.

The duty-free Mecca also features jewelry and watch brands with floor space now occupying three times the original size.

Particular importance is placed on trendy and contemporary brands to attract young customers. Lotte is planning to open these shops on the 10th floor of the department store in the second half of this year, featuring such prominent brands as Tory Burch, Mulberry and Michael Kors.