K-pop Korner to launch first Yorkshire store at Leeds Merrion Centre

The Merrion Centre is set to welcome one of the UK’s fastest-growing specialist music retailers as K-pop Korner opens its first Yorkshire location this May.

Officially soft launching on 22 May 2026, K-pop Korner Leeds will open as an initial pop-up store, becoming the brand’s fourth UK location and its first in the North of England. The new arrival will bring K-pop Korner’s unique blend of merchandise, fan culture and community events to Leeds city centre.

Recognised as the UK’s leading dedicated K-pop retailer and the country’s only multi-location K-pop store, K-pop Korner stocks official K-pop albums, exclusive merchandise, signed albums, light sticks and rare collectibles imported directly from Korea. Alongside retail, the brand has developed a strong national following through fan events, trading days, concerts and exclusive product launches.

The Leeds opening follows the success of K-pop Korner’s existing stores in London Waterloo, London Euston and Nottingham, with growing demand from fans across Yorkshire and the wider North driving the expansion.

Anastasia Tsappis, Director of K-pop Korner, said:

“We’re incredibly excited to bring K-pop Korner to Leeds and finally create a dedicated space for fans in Yorkshire and the North of England. Community has always been at the heart of what we do and we’re looking forward to building a welcoming environment where fans can meet, discover new merchandise, celebrate their favourite artists and enjoy special events together.

“Our community has been asking for a more accessible location outside London and the Midlands for a long time, so Leeds felt like the natural next step. The Merrion Centre stood out because of its vibrant atmosphere, fantastic city-centre location and strong connection to entertainment and youth culture.”

To celebrate the new store launch, K-pop Korner will host special events. Stray Kids event with exclusive merch, signed album event and Xikers hello82 exclusive event, bringing fans together for an immersive K-pop experience. The launch weekend will feature new merchandise releases, fan-focused activities and opportunities for visitors to connect with fellow K-pop enthusiasts.

Tsappis added:

“We want the opening to feel like more than just a store launch. It’s about celebrating K-pop fandom and creating memorable experiences for the local community. We’re especially excited to see fans come together for our opening events and experience the energy and excitement that makes K-pop culture so special.”

The new opening will also create local employment opportunities, with K-pop Korner recruiting part-time team members ahead of launch. Interested applicants can apply via careers@kpopkorner.com.

Leila Fell, Apprentice Asset Manager at Town Centre Securities, owners of the Merrion Centre, said:

“K-pop continues to grow in popularity across the UK, particularly among younger audiences, so we’re delighted to welcome K-pop Korner to the Merrion Centre. The brand offers a unique mix of retail and community experiences that complements our existing line-up of leisure, entertainment and lifestyle operators and we’re confident it will prove hugely popular with visitors from across the region.”

The opening event on 22 May is expected to attract K-pop fans from across Yorkshire and beyond, further strengthening Leeds’ reputation as a destination for youth culture, entertainment and independent retail experiences.

For more information, visit K-pop Korner or follow the brand on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube at @kpopkorner.uk.