South Korea’s leading retailer, Lotte Shopping Co. Ltd., hosted its 2025 CEO IR Day at The Westin Singapore on September 17, marking its third consecutive year in the city. The event reinforced the company’s long-term commitment to Southeast Asia expansion, AI-powered retail transformation, and shareholder value creation.
Lotte Shopping’s Global Vision
Vice Chairman and Group CEO of Lotte Retail, Samuel Sanghyun Kim, addressed institutional investors, asset managers, and analysts, presenting the company’s Transformation 2.0 strategy. This roadmap builds on Transformation 1.0, which secured financial stability, and now focuses on growth, competitiveness, and enhanced shareholder returns.
Strengthening Southeast Asia Presence
Southeast Asia has emerged as a key market for Lotte. In 2024, overseas business revenue rose 5.1%, with operating profit surging 114.9%. By the first half of 2025, overseas operations contributed 12.9% of consolidated revenue and 18.1% of operating profit.
Success in Vietnam and Singapore
One of Lotte’s standout achievements is Lotte Mall West Lake Hanoi, launched in 2023. The complex surpassed KRW 100 billion in sales within 122 days and attracted over 10 million visitors in its first year. In Singapore, the rollout of LOTTE Mart EXPRESS outlets in FairPrice supermarkets brought Lotte’s private-label products to over 100 stores.
Plans for Expansion by 2030
Looking forward, Lotte aims to open two to three new premium retail complexes in Vietnam by 2030 while expanding the EXPRESS shop-in-shop model across Southeast Asia. The company is also preparing consulting initiatives to share retail systems and merchandising expertise with local partners.
Establishing International Headquarters in Singapore
To strengthen regional operations, Lotte will launch an International Headquarters (iHQ) in Singapore. The iHQ will integrate HR, finance, strategy, and marketing, while driving localized product development and supporting partnerships with distributors, developers, and financial institutions.
AI and Retail Innovation
Lotte is embedding artificial intelligence across its operations, under its vision of becoming an “Agentic Enterprise.” AI applications will cover product recommendations, merchandising automation, and demand forecasting. The company is also developing a Retail Media Network (RMN) that bridges online and offline retail. Singapore’s iHQ will collaborate with local tech firms to design RMN solutions for regional markets.
Boosting Financial Stability and Shareholder Value
Following its 2024 asset revaluation, Lotte reduced its debt ratio by 61 points to 129% and lowered borrowing dependence to 38%. The company reinforced liquidity and distributed KRW 3,800 per share in dividends, exceeding its stated minimum. In June, it also became the first Korean retailer to pay an interim dividend, highlighting its commitment to shareholders.
Leadership Vision
Samuel Sanghyun Kim reaffirmed the company’s mission:
“At Lotte Shopping, our goal is to build trust not only with customers, but also with shareholders, investors, and partners. By accelerating Transformation 2.0, we will solidify Lotte Shopping’s position as the customer’s number one shopping destination at home and abroad.”
