Spokane, Wash. – The NorthTown Management Office confirmed that developers have applied for a permit to open an H Mart Asian supermarket in the former Sears building at NorthTown Mall. H Mart, the nation’s largest Asian and Korean food‑store chain, would join the area’s retail landscape alongside the long‑standing Oriental Market on Trent.
Oriental Market’s Legacy and Community Role
Co‑owner Tom Tyson, whose family opened the Oriental Market in the 1970s, said the store was founded to give Spokane’s growing immigrant community access to familiar foods. “My mom was one of the few Thai ladies here in town,” Tyson recalled. “She saw friends struggling to find the ingredients they needed, so she started the market to give everyone a little slice of home.”
Today, the market celebrates its 50th anniversary, offering products from Africa, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, Australia and many other regions. Tyson travels to Seattle weekly, visiting up to 15 suppliers to bring distinctive fresh produce and specialty items to his customers. He emphasizes the personal service that larger chains often cannot match, saying, “If I can get it, I’ll try to get it for whoever….”
Customer Perspectives on the Potential H Mart
Long‑time shoppers appreciate the Oriental Market’s unique selection. “I can find a lot of things that we used to get when we lived in Australia,” said customer Tamara Elbourn. Another patron noted the importance of having ingredients from his home country, adding, “Some of the things you can only find here. We miss being able to find some ingredients to do the cooking we enjoy from back home.”
Even shoppers who travel from as far as Idaho have expressed both excitement and caution. Several said they plan to try the new H Mart while continuing to support the Oriental Market for its specialty service.
Balancing Competition and Diversity
Tyson acknowledges the mixed feelings among local merchants. While the arrival of a large chain could increase competition, he also sees value in broader culinary diversity. “The more here in Spokane leads to a better culinary society: better things for everyone to eat and, you know, a little bit of education that it’s not all hamburgers,” he said.
Community leaders and local business groups have called on developers to consider the impact on existing family‑owned stores. They argue that preserving the personal touch and cultural heritage of markets like Oriental Market is essential for maintaining Spokane’s unique character.
What’s Next?
The permit application will be reviewed by the NorthTown Management Office in the coming weeks. If approved, H Mart could open within the next year, adding a major national retailer to the mall’s tenant mix. Meanwhile, Oriental Market continues to serve its loyal customer base, emphasizing quality, personal service, and a commitment to keeping Spokane’s food landscape diverse and vibrant.
Both businesses represent different facets of Spokane’s growing Asian food scene: a national chain that promises extensive product variety and a historic family‑run market that offers curated selections and community‑focused service. How the two will coexist remains to be seen, but the conversation underscores the city’s evolving culinary identity.
Original reporting: KHQ Spokane (news) — read the source article.
