Growing Enterprise of L6 Student, Takara
In the heart of Leeds, a vibrant and colourful community has been growing, bringing together lovers of Korean pop (K-pop) culture. KCore, a UK-based business founded by Takara Hodson in May 2024, has been at the centre of this flourishing scene.
KCore started as an online store, importing official Korean albums and merchandise directly from Korea. Within four months, it expanded its reach by hosting events at venues like Mr Tea and LayTea, where fans can socialize, play games, and discuss the latest comebacks in the K-pop industry. These events have become a highlight for the local K-pop community, offering a unique and inclusive space to celebrate their shared passion.
The success of KCore is evident in its growing turnover, which has risen to just over £600 per month, averaging a profit margin of 60-70%. This growth has been driven by sales at events, through the online store, and through collaborations with other businesses such as LayTea, Mr Tea, Life4Cuts, and O!Moru Garden.
Takara, the driving force behind KCore, operates the business from her home and has been doing so for nearly 12 months. She has also been leveraging social media platforms, such as TikTok, to collaborate with influencers like Yuna and Ash, aiming to boost KCore's online presence.
KCore's product range has expanded to include a variety of merchandise, from music albums (CDs) and fan-made merchandise to key rings, cup sleeves, light sticks, phone charms, photo cards, and more. Its mission is to provide affordable and quality merchandise for fans of K-Pop, otherwise unavailable in Leeds and West Yorkshire.
The ND Enterprise Hub, run by Mr Corcoran and Mr Dennis, has been providing support to Takara and KCore since October 2024. They offer commercial advice, business reporting, and guidance to help scale up operations.
Looking ahead, KCore has confirmed further events taking place on May 10th and 11th at Mr Tea's. With its strong relationships with loyal fans and its commitment to growth, KCore is poised to continue its vibrant expansion within the K-pop community in Leeds and beyond.
As the UK market for K-pop merchandise continues to grow, KCore stands as a shining example of a successful business that caters to the needs of K-pop fans, providing them with a platform to connect, share, and celebrate their love for Korean culture.
KCore additionally delves into the home-and-garden niche, collaborating with O!Moru Garden to offer unique designs that blend Korean culture with a contemporary lifestyle. For shoppers seeking product-reviews and deals-and-discounts on K-pop merchandise, KCore showcases a plethora of options to cater to various preferences, aligning with its mission to make quality Korean pop merchandise accessible in Leeds and West Yorkshire.
