Laka Amplifies Its U.S. Presence with Retail Expansion and the Exciting OLIVE YOUNG FESTA LA 2026
Laka's Growing U.S. Presence
Laka, a pioneering Korean cosmetics brand primarily focused on lip products, is making significant strides to enhance its market presence in the United States. As part of a strategic initiative to engage directly with consumers and broaden its retail accessibility, Laka recently participated in the OLIVE YOUNG FESTA LA 2026—an extravagant K-beauty festival which took place from August 14 to August 16 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. This event showcased 55 leading Korean brands and successfully attracted a multitude of beauty enthusiasts.
Expanding Retail Access
As part of its U.S. expansion strategy, Laka has officially opened new retail locations within OLIVE YOUNG stores located in Pasadena and Century City. This marks a pivotal moment for the brand, as it brings sought-after products such as the Fruity Glam Tint, Maxi Glayer Tint, and Soothing Prep Lip Mask closer to local customers. Across the U.S., Laka can now be found in 338 retail locations, including notable chains like Sephora, MINISO, Sukoshi, and MISS A, allowing broader consumer access to the brand's diverse offerings. Additionally, consumers can conveniently shop online through platforms such as Amazon and TikTok Shop, further cementing Laka's presence in the digital retail space.
With Laka's commitment to providing quality beauty solutions, international sales soared nearly 300% year-over-year in 2025, now representing approximately 86% of the brand's total sales, affirming its strong global appeal.
Interactive Brand Experiences
Participation in OLIVE YOUNG FESTA LA 2026 was crucial for Laka's outreach, particularly through the engaging 'Laka Color Record Bar'—a unique, interactive booth that offered a personalized shade-discovery journey for attendees. Inspired by the nostalgic feel of flipping through records in a music store, Laka reimagined its lip products into a sensory experience, categorizing shades based on mood into visually stunning LP-style album art. Over the duration of this three-day event, their booth welcomed more than 2,500 enthusiastic visitors, inviting them to explore various shades that resonate with their personal style.
Jicheol Lee, CEO of Laka, articulated the philosophy behind this initiative: "Our goal is not simply to introduce a product, but to build meaningful ways for consumers to discover and experience Laka over time. Our growing physical retail presence and the Color Record Bar reflect the same approach, giving people the freedom to explore a wide range of shades and experience what 'Every Shade, Every Story' means for themselves." This sentiment aligns with Laka's mission to empower individual expression through a versatile palette designed for everyone.
A Bright Future Ahead
Founded in 2018, Laka emphasizes color diversity and self-expression, aiming to make a significant mark in the increasingly competitive U.S. beauty market. With its presence in over 40 countries and a retail network exceeding 7,500 stores globally, Laka is solidifying its reputation as a go-to brand for inclusive beauty products.
By enhancing accessibility to its products and creating engaging consumer experiences, Laka is not only expanding its market presence but is also committed to celebrating beauty in all forms. As the brand continues its growth trajectory, it remains dedicated to connecting consumers with products that invite personal discovery and expression in their beauty routines.