Fremont to Get Massive Asian Supermarket
A popular Asian supermarket chain plans to open its largest U.S. location in Fremont, California. The new store will feature an extensive selection of Asian groceries and products, though an official opening date has not yet been announced.
The new 100,000-square-foot H Mart in Fremont is not just another grocery store; it represents the single largest investment in the company's history. This flagship location will take over a two-story space formerly occupied by Kohl's in the Pacific Commons Shopping Center, with construction slated to begin in late 2026. This store will debut a new "multi-level prototype" for the popular Korean supermarket chain. The concept moves beyond a traditional grocery experience, integrating a food hall with fast-casual and full-service restaurants, a bar, and other entertainment offerings. Fremont's demographic landscape makes it a strategic choice for this flagship investment. The city has a significant Asian population, which constitutes over 60% of its residents, providing a strong customer base for the Korean grocery giant. The arrival of H Mart's largest location intensifies the competition in the Bay Area's thriving Asian supermarket scene. Fremont is already home to a Korean Mega Mart, which opened in 2022, and the region has seen expansion from other chains like T&T Supermarket and Tokyo Central. This development is part of a broader trend of repurposing large, vacant retail spaces. Fremont's Mayor, Raj Salwan, lauded the project as a "transformative investment" and a strategic reuse of commercial property that will generate jobs and create a new community destination. Founded as a single corner store in Woodside, Queens, in 1982, H Mart has grown into the largest Asian supermarket chain in the U.S., with over 100 locations. The name "H Mart" comes from the Korean phrase "Han Ah Reum," which means "an armful." The new Fremont location will be a significant addition to H Mart's Bay Area presence, which already includes stores in San Francisco and San Jose. The company has also been expanding its digital footprint, investing heavily in e-commerce and logistics to complement its physical retail growth.
