• Journal of the Korean Society of Costume
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• v.67 no.2
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• pp.131-146
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• 2017

The aim of this study is to investigate the operating characteristics of fashion start-up companies and the characteristics of their founders. For this purpose, this study surveyed fashion start-up companies via online survey in May 2015, and analyzed the data from one hundred companies. The results are as follows. First, for the characteristics of the founders, female founders constituted 65.0% and male founders 35.0%. At the time of establishment, founders aged 26-35 constituted 77.0%. Founders with less than five years of work experience made up about 80%. 82.1% of the founders participated in domestic and foreign exhibitions/fairs. 41.0% of the founders were awarded fashion contest and competition awards, and 33.3% of the founders were supported by rising designer support projects. Second, for the operating characteristics of the start-up companies, clothing at 78.0% was the most popular entrepreneurial item, and the majority targeted the age 20-30 group. 78.0% of the companies had less than 40 production styles per season, and all the enterprises had less than 5 employees. 59.0% of the companies had export experience. Exports to China, Hong Kong, and Japan accounted for 67.4% of all exports. Major distribution channels were mainly select shops(offline select shops 79.8%, online select shops 62.8%). The main methods of promotion were fashion media articles/interviews, product sponsorship, and SNS. The most preferred distribution channel was becoming a part of online/offline select shops(92.6%). Viral marketing(84.4%), star marketing and costume sponsorship(66.7%) were the most preferred method of promotion. The most preferred way to enter foreign markets was to participate in domestic and foreign exhibitions/fairs/trade shows. This study provides basic data necessary for future founders preparing to launch fashion start-up companies. It also aids fashion start-up companies in developing more advanced business operation strategies.

• Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.163-171
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• 2021

The purpose of this study is to examine the current operation condition of fashion start-up companies and the characteristics of their founders in Fashion Creative Studio that is one of government programs supporting fashion start-up of rising fashion designer's brands in Korea and one of supporting facilities. For this purpose, this study surveyed 32 fashion start-up companies founders in Busan Fashion Creative Studio and analyzed the data based on the survey. The results are as follows. First of all, 82% of the founders have experience to start their business in 20s and 60% of founders with not more than 3 to 5 years of work experience related to fashion challenge to start a business. Secondly, major distribution channels of the fashion start-up companies are mainly on-line open-market consisting of 36% and SNS is up to 80% as the main promotion method. In addition, exports to China account for 71% of all exports. Lastly, 33% of businesses consider viral marketing by influencer and 50% of them make plan to export their items to East Asia. It is of research significance that this study can suggest the successful direction of establishing and operating fashion start-up companies through making good use of Fashion Creative Studio, the supporting program including facility.