Los Angeles – October 03, 2026 -- ARTBOX, Korea's design-lifestyle retail brand founded in 1984, is opening its first directly operated U.S. retail activation at 8250 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, from October 3 through October 11, 2026, marking its initial entry into the American market.
ARTBOX partners with K-pop group ILLIT to anchor its U.S. launch
The nine-day pop-up opens October 3 with an appearance by global ambassador ILLIT — YUNAH, MINJU, WONHEE and IROHA — who will join opening remarks, a photo call, media meetings and a store tour. The collaboration pairs ARTBOX's retail format with ILLIT's Gen Z fan base to introduce Korean lifestyle retail to U.S. shoppers.
Pop-up design spans five themed zones over a 40-45 minute visitor journey
The activation includes an entrance zone featuring oversized ARTBOX characters such as Lazywag, a dedicated IP and merchandise area, a K-culture photo experience tied to ILLIT, a DIY customization corner for journals and accessories, and a shoppable finale with a Gacha component.
ARTBOX operates 222 stores in South Korea with over 20,000 active SKUs
Since its founding in Seoul, ARTBOX has expanded from a stationery business into eight lifestyle categories: character goods and K-culture, stationery, home and living, beauty and wellness, fashion and travel, gifts and seasonal products, digital and mobile accessories, and food and snacks.
Company confirms it is exploring long-term U.S. retail sites with landlords and developers
Kevin Cho, Head of Global Business at ARTBOX, said Los Angeles serves as a starting point for the company's U.S. expansion given the city's cultural diversity. The Melrose pop-up is positioned as the first phase of a broader American retail strategy, with the company in active discussions on permanent locations.
Public hours for the pop-up run 4:30 PM–8:30 PM on October 3 and 11:00 AM–7:00 PM from October 4 through October 11.