Asian Supermarket Oseyo to Open Flagship in Newcastle
The Asian supermarket chain Oseyo will open a 20,000 sq ft flagship store in Newcastle's Eldon Square later this year. This will be the retailer's first location in the North East, signaling continued commercial investment in the city center.
- Oseyo, which translates to "Please come in," started with a single shop on London's Tottenham Court Road in 2015 and has since grown to become the UK's largest Asian supermarket chain with 20 locations. - The retailer is part of a broader, rapid expansion of Asian supermarkets across the UK, fueled by the rising popularity of Korean culture (K-wave), changing culinary tastes, and increased "food tourism". - The product mix extends beyond groceries, targeting younger shoppers with a large selection of Korean cosmetics and beauty products, K-pop albums, and stationery from brands like ARTBOX. - The Newcastle flagship will incorporate experiential elements like photobooths and claw machines, a strategy Oseyo uses to create a "wow factor" and transform its stores into cultural destinations rather than just places to shop. - Oseyo's Operations Director, Isaac Kweon, cited Newcastle's strong student population, vibrant food culture, and diverse demographics as key factors in selecting the city for its largest store. - The store's opening is part of a wider £162 million public-private investment in Newcastle's retail core, with £65 million specifically designated for the evolution of Eldon Square. - Eldon Square has recently focused its strategy on attracting 18-34-year-old shoppers, successfully increasing footfall with new leisure and food brands like Flight Club and Wingstop.
