CJ Olive Young Partners with Pokémon for Interactive Experience

CJ Olive Young announced on the 28th that it will launch an IP (Intellectual Property) collaboration titled ‘Olive Young X Pokémon’ from May 1 to 30. This partnership coincides with the 30th anniversary of the globally recognized Pokémon brand, aiming to transform the shopping process into an enjoyable ‘experience’ rather than simply merchandise sales. By integrating interactive events and Pokémon-themed products across both online and offline channels, Olive Young plans to redefine its retail spaces into comprehensive ‘playgrounds’ nationwide.

The collaboration will be anchored in the ‘Olive Young N Seongsu’ location, where a series of events will take place in conjunction with the Pokémon Mega Festa 2026. This includes gamification events, pop-up stores, and exhibitions designed to create a vibrant atmosphere. A standout feature will be the ‘Pokémon GO Seoul Stamp Rally’, allowing participants to collect stamps at designated spots linked to the Mega Festa, thereby naturally directing traffic to Olive Young N Seongsu and enriching the intersection of Pokémon and K-beauty.

Expanding the joyful experience beyond Seongsu, Olive Young is set to implement a range of Pokémon-themed activities across 13 key retail locations throughout the country. Features will include exclusive photo zones, stamp rally programs in-store, and machines dispensing Pokémon encouragement messages on receipts. Furthermore, incentive offerings such as picnic chairs and acrylic models will be provided based on purchase amounts, enhancing customer retention through tangible rewards paired with the excitement of collecting.

This initiative also witnesses an increase in participating brands from previous collaborations, now totaling 61, marking the largest scale yet. Feedback from the prior ‘Sanrio Characters’ collaboration, where active support led to a 60% surge in foreign sales, demonstrated the effectiveness of strategic partnerships in driving revenue and customer satisfaction. As a result, approximately 230 specially curated products will be presented at promotional prices, with exclusive items such as keychains and pouches all featuring unique Pokémon packaging.

The Pokémon universe will be creatively applied throughout Olive Young's stores, enhancing the shopping experience. Notably, a custom design featuring the Pokémon ‘Miniube’—which resembles Olive Young's symbol ‘olive’—will be integrated into shopping bags, displays, and the store facade. Additional engagement will be supported by the playing of Pokémon theme songs and collaborations with K-pop artists to heighten the overall ambiance of the retail environment.

An Olive Young spokesperson stated, “We expect that this collaboration between the globally recognized K-beauty and the beloved Pokémon brand will offer a unique experience to domestic and international customers. Additionally, we will continue to provide various promotions and marketing support to our partnered brands, enabling them to expand their reach through Olive Young.”