The newly opened H Mart in Westminster, Orange County, was bustling with activity on its opening day, August 7. The parking lot was packed, with barely any spaces available, and the store was filled with energy as families with large carts, Korean Americans, and local residents shopped together.

The grand opening ceremony, held at 10 a.m. at the H Mart Westminster store, was attended by H Mart President Brian Kwon, Westminster Mayor Chi Charlie Nguyen, and numerous local politicians and community leaders who gathered to celebrate the store’s launch.

The H Mart Westminster location, spanning approximately 73,000 square feet, is one of the largest stores not only in California but across the U.S., operating daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. year-round. With this opening, H Mart now has 86 stores nationwide and 19 in California. The upcoming opening of a new store in Dublin, East Bay, Northern California, will bring the total number of California stores to 20.The store features sections for Korean groceries, fresh foods, and a food hall, which houses 11 popular brands.

These include authentic sundae soup specialist “Mubongri Sundae Express,” Chinese cuisine “Hong Kong Banjeom 0410,” Korean street food “Jo’s Tteokbokki,” Korean cuisine “Yoo’s Kitchen,” oven-baked chicken “Goobne Chicken,” egg sandwich café “Eggcellent,” handmade hot dogs “Myungrang Hotdog,” handmade dumplings “Chang Hwa Dang,” Japanese and fusion cuisine “KZ Mori,” bakery “Tous Les Jours,” and milk tea “Gong Cha.” This setup allows customers to enjoy both shopping and a gourmet experience under one roof.

The Orange County Register, a leading daily newspaper in Orange County, covered the H Mart opening as a major news story, stating, “The mega supermarket and food hall in Westminster will provide a new shopping experience for not only the Korean community but also diverse communities.” Online community platform Reddit also reflected local excitement, with comments like, “Now we don’t have to go to Garden Grove for shopping,” highlighting the high expectations of residents.

The opening of the Westminster store is seen as more than just a supermarket launch; it is regarded as the creation of a new lifestyle space where culture and community converge. Combining food, culture, and shopping, this space established itself as a new landmark in Westminster from its very first day.

To celebrate the opening, H Mart is hosting generous promotional events. Customers purchasing above a certain amount at the Westminster store can receive various free gifts, including a special deal allowing those who spend $200 or more to purchase select items for $1. Additionally, new sign-ups for H Mart’s “Smart Rewards Card,” which offers various discounts and member benefits, or existing customers who update their email, will receive a free H Mart shopping bag (State Bag).H Mart President Brian Kwon stated, “We are thrilled to bring the rich flavors of Asia to Westminster and nearby residents,” adding, “Through H Mart, we will strive to introduce the culinary cultures of various Asian countries and make them easily accessible for home enjoyment.

”Since opening its first store in Woodside, New York, in 1982, H Mart has grown into North America’s largest international supermarket chain, employing approximately 6,000 staff and operating five distribution centers and processing facilities.