Jamsil’s magnificent Lotte World Mall stands out in Seoul’s expansive metropolis as a symbol of modern retail and entertainment. A recent addition to its gastronomic offerings has created quite a stir. Yes, we’re talking about the famous London Bagel Museum, which has become a hot issue not just for its exquisite baked goods but also for the ground-breaking commercial arrangement that enabled its development.
Jamsil, Anguk, and Beyond: The Bagel Buzz
The London Bagel Museum opened its doors on the ground floor of Lotte World Mall in Jamsil on the 5th of this month. According to reports, this was no ordinary inauguration. It is rumored that London Bagel entered the mall after being offered an extremely competitive renting contract.
Despite the fact that this is a confidential feature of their contract, it is speculated that Lotte Department Store granted a favorable rental rate, focusing less on immediate earnings and more on the foot traffic that the legendary bagel shop would draw. Isn’t it a win-win situation?
The Journey of a Museum to Seoul
The London Bagel Museum, which has outposts in Dosan, Anguk, Jeju, and other places, had never been inside a mall before. This emphasizes the significance of their presence in Lotte World Mall. With no future locations planned in the country, the store’s distinctiveness appears set to grow.
To put this in context, F&B establishments in malls or department shops are known to pay a 10% commission. According to sources, the London Bagel Museum was offered a pricing considerably lower than this! Only luxury brands like Chanel and Hermès, as well as major players like Starbucks, have been known to acquire such pricey partnerships.
A Culinary Match Made in Heaven
It wasn’t simple for London Bagel to get a place in the Lotte World Mall. Yun Ina, a bakery and dessert buyer at Lotte Department Store, disclosed in an interview that they had been reaching out to London Bagel’s associated businesses since 2019, but had received numerous rejections. It goes on to demonstrate the effort Lotte Department Store made to persuade London Bagel of their shared goal and possible synergies.
Interestingly, while Lotte initially pitched a location on the mall’s fifth level, London Bagel declined. Lotte then strategically relocated its associate Lotte Foods’ ‘Gillian Café’ from the first floor to accommodate the acclaimed bagel museum. A tribute to the London Bagel brand’s allure.
The Future of the London Bagel Museum in Seoul
The arrival of this culinary powerhouse has certainly increased foot traffic in the mall. According to Lotte authorities, more than 600 people waited in line on the first day. Today, it receives over 2,000 visitors every day, a figure that is rapidly increasing.
Finally, the London Bagel Museum, with locations in Jamsil, Anguk, and greater Seoul, is not only a feast for the taste sensations, but also an interesting study in corporate dynamics and modern trendsetting. Only time will tell what more surprises this alliance has in store for foodies. So, the next time you’re in Seoul, make a point of stopping by this trendy hotspot!
London Bagel Museum Details
- Signature Menu Items: Chive Pretzel Bagel: KRW 8,500 / Jam Bong Butter Sandwich: KRW 8,500 / Briclane Sandwich: KRW 6,800
- Opening Hours: Every day from 10:30 AM to 10:00 PM.
- Address: 1st Floor, 300 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul (서울 송파구 올림픽로 300 1층)
- Official Instagram
**Menu items and prices may vary depending on the bakery’s circumstances.
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