South Korean department stores are ramping up efforts to attract male customers, whose growing numbers are changing the retail landscape.

According to data from Shinsegae Department Store, male customers, which accounted for 28.1 per cent of customers in 2010, now represent just over 34 per cent of the major department store’s customer base.

Sales at male-oriented shops at the main branch of Shinsegae Department Stores in Myeongdong and the Gangnam branch also jumped from 8.2 per cent to 10 per cent over the same period.

Against this backdrop, South Korean department stores are continuing efforts to revamp their men’s departments, as well as introducing various products catering to family in an attempt to attract male customers of all age groups.

Shinsegae Centum City opened a renovated men’s department on the fifth floor last month, featuring experience stores that appeal to not only men, but also women and family members.

Street 5 is a select shop modeled after a European-style city-center plaza, packed with local brands from Busan and Daegu, differentiating itself from other stores.

Apart from a wide selection of men’s clothing stores, a photography studio specializing in black and white photography and a premium select pet shop will also welcome visitors with various interests.

• Original reporting by M H Lee of Koreabizwire.