L-R Raja Mourey(President, Las Vegas Asian Chamber of Commerce), James Yu, (Director, Las Vegas Asian Chamber of Commerce), Sheri Sakamoto(Vegas Chamber), Alex Kim(Las Vegas Korean American Association), Congresswoman Susie Lee(NV-03), Brian Kim(H Mart), Vida Lin(President and Founder Asian Community Development Council), Edelweiss Solano(Director Family Services ACDC), and Eric Jeng(One APAI Nevada)
LAS VEGAS, NV — A new wave of flavor, culture, and community connection arrived in Las Vegas this week as H Mart, the largest Asian supermarket chain in the United States, opened its long-anticipated 53,395-square-foot store at 2620 S Decatur Blvd.
The grand opening on April 24 marked more than just a retail expansion—it was a celebration of multiculturalism, economic opportunity, and the growing influence of Asian American communities in Southern Nevada.
From Queens to the Mojave
Founded in 1982 in Woodside, Queens, H Mart has become a household name for generations of Asian American families across the country. With over 100 stores spanning 18 states, H Mart is synonymous with quality ingredients, authentic flavors, and a sense of belonging for immigrants and food enthusiasts alike.
Its arrival in Las Vegas signals a shift in the city’s commercial and cultural landscape, reinforcing the role of ethnic retailers in shaping the identity of modern American cities.
A Vibrant Addition to Clark County
Even before its doors opened, the store had already earned praise from local leaders. Clark County District C Commissioner April Becker welcomed the new H Mart with enthusiasm, calling it a catalyst for community growth.
“This vibrant addition to our community will not only bring a diverse range of high-quality products but will also create new jobs and strengthen the local economy,” Becker said. “It’s a wonderful asset for our residents and a great place for families to shop, explore, and enjoy.”
Echoing those sentiments, Vegas Chamber President and CEO Mary Beth Sewald pointed to H Mart’s broader significance to the region.
“H Mart brings both investment and cultural richness to our region,” Sewald said. “This reflects the continued growth and diversity of our business community.”
Opening Day Spectacle
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was a blend of Korean tradition and Las Vegas flair. Festivities kicked off with a Chinese dragon dance and performances by classic Las Vegas showgirls to the tune of “Viva Las Vegas.” Joining the celebration were several local and national figures including:
- U.S. Congresswoman Susie Lee (D-NV), who highlighted the store’s contribution to local economic vitality and cultural representation
- Sheri Sakamoto, Vice President of Business Development at the Vegas Chamber, who acknowledged the role H Mart plays in strengthening Asian American entrepreneurship
- Alex Kim, President of the Las Vegas Korean American Association, who emphasized the significance of the moment for Korean American visibility and representation in the state
At the heart of the ceremony was H Mart President Brian Kwon, who expressed his gratitude to the Las Vegas community and acknowledged the challenges the store had faced since it was first announced in 2023.
“This one took a while for us,” Kwon said in his speech, referencing pandemic-related and logistical delays. “But we never gave up on Las Vegas. We knew the city was ready—and so were we.”
His remarks drew applause from a crowd eager to celebrate a moment years in the making.
Early Risers, Eager Shoppers
Some customers lined up as early as 4 a.m., hours before the store’s scheduled opening. As the sun rose, the crowd swelled—wrapping around the plaza and extending past nearby establishments like Paris Baguette and Chipotle, spilling onto the sidewalk along Sahara Avenue. The buzz in the air wasn’t just about groceries—it was about finally having a familiar place to shop, gather, and eat.
An Immersive Shopping Experience
Upon entering, shoppers were greeted by a Las Vegas-themed “Welcome to H Mart” sign, leading into a visually engaging display of rice cookers, utensils, and kitchenware. Beyond that, an impressive lineup awaited:
- A produce section stocked with jackfruit, durian, kohlrabi, and Korean watermelon
- A wall of tofu and pickled vegetables, including numerous varieties of kimchi
- Over a dozen aisles of global goods—divided into Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Filipino, and Western categories
- A full ramen aisle, snack aisle, and aisles dedicated to sauces, frozen goods, and beverages
- A premium meat and seafood department, featuring live lobsters, king crab, and marinated cuts like bulgogi and spicy pork
- Household goods and cosmetics, including K-beauty staples and plush collectibles
The Food Hall: A Feast for the Senses
A highlight for many visitors is the in-store food court, which transforms the shopping experience into a destination. Featuring seven popular vendors, it offers diners a whirlwind tour of Asian street food and comfort fare:
- BBQ Chicken – Signature Korean-style fried chicken
- Hanmo Tofu – Stews and sizzling Korean BBQ dishes
- Jopok Topokki – Spicy rice cakes, tempura, and popular street snacks
- Moobongri Soondae Express – Korean sausage (soondae), soups, and offal dishes
- Paik’s Noodle – Chinese-Korean fusion favorites
- Saku Japanese Eatery – Sushi, teriyaki, and donburi
- Tiger Sugar – Taiwan’s viral boba tea and brown sugar milk drinks
With plenty of seating and vibrant décor, the food hall is expected to become a go-to lunch and dinner spot for locals and visitors alike.
A Community Ready for More
Nevada’s Asian American population has grown steadily in recent years, and Las Vegas has become a hub for cultural fusion. H Mart’s presence helps meet the rising demand for authentic, accessible Asian products while also offering a familiar space for multi-generational families, first-time visitors, and longtime fans.
The store’s Smart Rewards Card and mobile app enhance the shopping experience with loyalty perks, point-based savings, and real-time access to weekly deals—making every visit a little more rewarding.
Beyond the Aisles
From the buzz of the opening day to the fully stocked shelves now greeting shoppers, H Mart Las Vegas has established itself not just as a retail destination but as a cultural homebase—one where flavors, families, and traditions all converge.
More than a place to shop, H Mart is where memory and identity meet—a space where a single ingredient can evoke generations of tradition, and a lunch break can feel like a brief return home.
In a city that thrives on reinvention, H Mart offers something refreshingly rooted: community, heritage, and the comforting promise that home can sometimes be found in a bowl of noodles or the sparkle of brown sugar boba tea.
H MART LAS VEGAS
2620 S Decatur Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89102
Open daily: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Website: www.hmart.com
Follow: @hmartofficial on Instagram and Facebook
