Chinese drone maker DJI is set to open a retail store in South Korea in March, its second brick-and-mortar outlet after the company opened a flagship in its hometown of Shenzhen, as it looks to expand its presence in the growing Asian market.
DJI will open an 870-square-metre store in Seoul’s student-friendly district of Hongdae offering drone displays, repairs and aftercare. It launched the Shenzhen shop last month.
The store’s ‘flight cage area’
“DJI views Korea as a market with strong potential,” said Taehyun Moon, the company’s country manager for Korea.
“Whether you are a professional looking for the latest aerial-imaging equipment, or curious and looking for your first drone, you’ll get to experience our technology up close and in person.”
DJI commands about 70 per cent of the global market for consumer drones. The United States makes up its top market by sales. With a valuation of around US$10 billion, it ranks among China’s most successful tech start-ups.
Founded by Hong Kong University of Science and Technology graduate Frank Wang in 2006, DJI does not release sales figures. But a spokesman said it saw annual growth of 300 per cent to 500 per cent from 2011 to 2015.
It expansion offline in Korea marks its growing interest in Asia, with Japan also a key target.
Set over five floors, the Seoul shop will sell the full range of DJI’s consumer products as well as allowing visitors to watch footage filmed using the unmanned aerial vehicles.
Showcase area includes space for test flights
Meanwhile, DJI has three offices in Japan employing a total of 50 staff. It sees the Japanese market as a target for its agricultural drones, as farm sizes in the country are suited to using the flying gadgets for crop-spraying, a spokesman said.
Source: South China Morning Post