Lotte Mart: A Global Leader in Hypermarket Retail
Lotte Mart is a prominent South Korean hypermarket—a massive retail facility combining a supermarket and a department store—that offers a comprehensive range of groceries, clothing, electronics, and household goods. As a division of Lotte Shopping and part of the larger Lotte conglomerate, the company has evolved from a domestic retailer into a significant player across East and Southeast Asia.
Founded by Shin Kyuk-Ho, Lotte Mart opened its first branch on April 1, 1998, in Guui-dong, GangByeon, Seoul. Since its inception, the company has expanded its footprint to include a diverse array of store brands such as Herbon, Wiselect, Withone, Basicicon, Tasse Tasse, and Gerard Darel.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1998 by Shin Kyuk-Ho.
- Ownership: A division of Lotte Shopping (Lotte Co., Ltd.).
- Global Reach: Operates across East Asia and Southeast Asia.
- Store Count: 175 locations as of 2023.
- Product Range: Fresh and processed foods, clothing, household goods, and electronics.
- Strategic Partnerships: Licensed operator of Toys "R" Us in Asia.
International Expansion and Market Evolution
Lotte Mart began its journey into international markets in 2006, marking the start of an ambitious growth strategy to bring Korean retail standards to the global stage.
The Chinese Market
Lotte Mart entered China in December 2007 by acquiring Makro, a Dutch supermarket chain. This move represented the first time a Korean retailer had entered the Chinese market. While the company grew to 82 branches in China, it eventually shifted its strategy. In April 2018, Lotte Mart sold 21 stores in Beijing to Wumei Holdings Inc., and by 2022, the company fully exited the Chinese market to prioritize its operations in Southeast Asia.
Growth in Indonesia
In October 2008, Lotte expanded into Indonesia by purchasing PT Makro Indonesia, which then operated 19 stores. This acquisition marked the first entry of Korean retail into the Indonesian market. By 2019, the presence grew to 50 stores. As of 2024, Lotte Mart Indonesia operates a hybrid model consisting of 36 wholesale marts and 12 retail stores, mirroring the discount mart style popular in South Korea.
Presence in Vietnam
Lotte Mart established its first Vietnamese presence on December 18, 2008, with the opening of Lotte Mart South Saigon in District 7, Ho Chi Minh City.
By 2025, the company expanded to 15 stores across various cities, including Hanoi, Cần Thơ, Biên Hòa, Thuận An, Bình Dương, Vinh, Vũng Tàu, Nha Trang, and Phan Thiết. A notable milestone is the Lotte Mart West Lake, which is integrated into the Lotte Mall West Lake Hanoi, the first Lotte Mall complex in Vietnam.
Strategic Partnerships: Toys "R" Us
Beyond general groceries and household goods, Lotte Mart expanded its appeal to families through a licensing contract with Toys "R" Us in December 2007. The first licensed store opened on December 8, 2007, within the 37,000 sq ft Lotte Mart Guro Branch in Seoul. Following this success, the company established additional locations in Guri, Incheon, Samsan, and Jamsil, with plans to expand the brand further.
Lotte Mart Operational Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founder | Shin Kyuk-Ho |
| Headquarters | South Korea |
| Primary Industries | Retail / Hypermarket |
| Key Regions | South Korea, Indonesia, Vietnam |
| Notable Brands | Toys "R" Us Asia, Herbon, Wiselect |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Lotte Mart founded and who started it?
Lotte Mart was founded on April 1, 1998, by Shin Kyuk-Ho.
Does Lotte Mart still operate in China?
No, Lotte Mart exited the Chinese market in 2022 to focus its business efforts on Southeast Asia.
How many stores does Lotte Mart have in Vietnam?
As of 2025, Lotte Mart has 15 stores in Vietnam, spanning multiple cities including Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.
What is the relationship between Lotte Mart and Toys "R" Us?
Lotte Mart holds a licensing contract to operate Toys "R" Us stores in Asia, starting with the first branch in Seoul in 2007.
What types of products are sold at Lotte Mart?
Lotte Mart sells a wide variety of goods, including fresh and processed foods, clothing, electronics, household goods, and miscellaneous items.