Korean supermarket readies north San Jose location
SANJOSE » Hmart, which operates an upscale chain of Korean supermarkets, is preparing to open its second store in San Jose, an outlet that is far larger than the first one the retailer opened in west San Jose nearly a year ago.
The new store will be located at 1710 Oakland Road near Murphy Avenue. It is slated to hold a grand opening March 8.
“Hmart is always pleased to be involved in the city of San Jose,” said Brian Kwon, Hmart president. “Hmart would like to give special thanks to San Jose and the surrounding communities for
loving our De Anza store.” In April 2017, the grocer opened its first Northern California store at 1179 S. De Anza Blvd. in San Jose.
“I’d like to thank Hmart for their investment in our community, and welcome Hmart to San Jose’s diverse and delicious international food scene,” San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo said.
The west San Jose store is about 28,000 square feet, while the new north San Jose market will be roughly 43,000 square feet, according to city planning documents. “We will prepare hard everyday to serve customers,” Kwon said.
The new site at Oakland and Brokaw roads was once occupied by PW Markets, which shut its doors abruptly in 2010 in the aftermath of the Great Recession. SF Supermarket, an Asian-themed grocery store, moved into the space, but after a few years closed its doors.
Hmart launched its operations in 1982 in upstate New York and is now based in New Jersey. In 2016, Supermarket News listed Hmart as one of the publication’s Top 50 supermarket chains, with $906 million in yearly revenue at the time.
“Robust and unique cultural foods that also promote a rich and healthy lifestyle” is how Hmart describes its offerings. “We serve both traditional Asian and international food, with fresh produce, meat, poultry, and fish.” Hmart is expanding swiftly. The company now has 90 U. S. stores. At the time of the west San Jose opening, the grocer operated 57 stores. “Stores like Hmart reflect our city’s unique multicultural appeal, and help make our city a welcoming place for everyone to live,” Mayor Liccardo said.