AU Brandz, which is emerging as a global fashion brand, announced on the 31st that it has passed the preliminary screening for listing on KOSDAQ by the Korea Exchange.
The company plans to submit a securities report and enter into full-scale public offering procedures as soon as it completes preparations for listing, approximately three months after applying for a preliminary review in October 2023. The lead manager for the listing is Korea Investment & Securities.
AU Brands operates 'Rockfish Weatherwear' and is growing rapidly through brand acquisitions and global expansion. In 2023, it recorded sales of KRW 38.7 billion and operating profit of KRW 15.2 billion, more than doubling from the previous year and achieving an operating profit margin of 40%. This is the result of Rockfish Weatherwear's rebranding and overseas market expansion acting as major growth drivers.
Since acquiring UK headquarters Zenna in January 2023, it has been actively advancing into the global market as a K-fashion brand. After rebranding as a 'four-season weatherwear brand' in 2022, it opened flagship stores in Hannam-dong and Seongsu, establishing itself as a shopping destination for tourists and generating annual sales of 5 billion won per store.
In addition, the company has expanded its product portfolio from rain boots to Mary Janes, sneakers, winter shoes, and fashion accessories, thereby overcoming seasonality and achieving stable growth. Through this, it has achieved high inventory turnover and efficient operations, maximizing sales and profitability.
It is also actively expanding its overseas business. In December 2024, it achieved sales of approximately 50 million yen at the Tokyo Shibuya Parco and Shinjuku Lumine pop-up stores, and on December 18, it officially entered Japan's top fashion platform Zozotown. Following the opening of its first official store at Hong Kong's K-11 Musea in January 2025, it has also operated pop-up stores at Shanghai's JingAn Kerry Centre and Shenzhen's Mixc shopping mall, recording an average of 10 million won in daily sales each. Based on this, it is promoting the establishment of a joint venture (JV) by forming a consortium with major Chinese fashion and distribution companies in the first half of 2025.
In addition, we are accelerating our advance into the Asian market, including opening a store in the Venetian Mall in Macau (scheduled for the first half of 2025) and opening an official store in Thailand (scheduled for June 2025). Based on the high demand in the local market, we are receiving continuous requests from overseas partners to expand supply, and we plan to strengthen our cooperation based on this to further solidify our position as a global brand.
An official from AU Brands said, “Passing the preliminary screening for listing on KOSDAQ is an important milestone in our growth as a global fashion brand,” and added, “We will continue to grow in overseas markets based on our unique brand value.”
The funds raised through the listing will be invested in expanding offline stores, establishing a global supply chain, strengthening digital commerce, and developing new brands. Through this, AU Brands plans to establish itself as a premium weatherwear brand in the global fashion market beyond the domestic market.
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