T&T Supermarkets, Canada's largest Asian grocery chain, to open first U.S. store

Canada-based Asian grocer T&T Supermarkets, a banner owned by Loblaw Cos., will open its first U.S. store in the summer of 2024 in Bellevue, Washington. At 76,000 square feet, the new store will be the largest Asian supermarket in the state and a flagship store for T&T.

“We’re excited about this new opportunity and believe the U.S. market – Washington specifically – is ready and waiting for all that T&T has to offer,” Rachel Lin, T&T Supermarket’s media and communication manager, told Retail Leader. “We’ve seen the demand first-hand, with U.S. license plates frequently found in our British Columbia stores. T&T customers are willing to make a drive across the border – we can’t wait to make shopping more convenient for them, and introduce the residents of Bellevue to the food experience that comes to life in our stores.”

Located at the Marketplace at Factoria in Bellevue, the new location will showcase a sushi counter, hot food bar and noodle station. Its in-store kitchen and bakery will have freshly prepared delicacies such as steam buns and pork belly bao, as well as Asian pastries and cakes. The store also will be home to more than 300 of T&T’s private label products, including customer favorites such as green onion pancake, Korean kalbi marinade, juicy pork dumplings and seaweed snacks.

“We want to provide a wide range of products that meet the same high-standards and selections as our Canadian stores, catering to the unique needs of different ethnic groups,” Lin said. “At the same time, there are many new learnings for us in the U.S. — the culture, the regulations and policies.”

The store will create more than 300 jobs for the local community and is planning to hold its first job fair this summer for supervisors and above positions. 

"T&T's anchor tenancy at Marketplace at Factoria begins an exciting chapter for the property, which includes new residential, retail and dining experiences," said Carmen Decker, president of Kimco Realty's Western Region, in a statement.

The new U.S. flagship store announcement follows the opening late last year of its first location in Québec, a 70,000-square-foot store in Montréal. Last year, the grocer also hired TV director and photographer Justin Wu to introduce the T&T experience and Asian food culture to the mainstream by developing entertaining content across multiple media channels.   

Headquartered in Richmond, British Columbia, T&T is the largest Asian supermarket chain in Canada, with stores in Alberta, Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia. Additionally, T&T will be establishing a regional office in the greater Los Angeles area. Founded 30 years ago, the company was acquired by Loblaw Cos. in 2009.

“After 30 years, we are confident in our ability to delight customers in every part of their shopping experience in-store or online, the food quality and selections, and our exceptional customer service,” Lin said.