What: Lotte is falling victim of strong geopolitical forces.

Why it is important: China is a demanding market both in terms of the size of needed investments, but also in dealing with political demands.

South Korea’s largest retailer is finalizing its Chinese exit by closing down its HQ in the country in the second half of the year.

Even though the group is looking at many opportunities in South East Asia (such as Vietnam or Australia, where a duty-free store was recently opened), it started to gradually close down its 130 stores in China due to geopolitical tensions and customer boycott movements.

Lotte is finalizing its China exit