Dive Brief:
- Kroger plans to debut two “Asian Experience” supermarkets in the Dallas area next year, a spokesperson confirmed via email on Friday
- The grocer said it plans to convert two Kroger Marketplace locations — one each in Collin and Denton Counties — to stock more Asian-centric products and feature new décor, updated signage and a larger selection of multicultural products.
- This initiative mirrors Kroger’s “Hispanic Experience” concept, which launched at the end of last year.
Dive Insight:
Kroger said these locations best accommodate the planned “Asian Experience” stores as they have a larger footprint with more space to showcase new features and experiences, the spokesperson said.
The grocer did not specify if it plans to add more Asian-specific supermarkets to its footprint or when the stores would open next year.
The Asian food store concept comes at a time when North Texas is seeing an uptick in its Asian community population, The Dallas Morning Morning News reported, noting that more and more retailers are tailoring their offerings to meet the needs of specific minority groups.
Additionally, the grocer previously introduced a “Hispanic Experience” location in Dallas’ Oak Cliff neighborhood, which features bilingual signage and a wider array of Hispanic food products, according to the spokesperson.
The Dallas Hispanic-focused location mirrors Kroger’s first Hispanic Concept store, which opened in Houston in September 2023. The store features a juice bar, freshly cut fruits and vegetables, and house-made ceviche and tortillas, Liz Colvin, Kroger’s vice president of merchandising at the time, told Fox26 Houston last October.
Last fall, Kroger launched Mercado, a new Hispanic-inspired food and beverage private brand with more than 50 products, including fresh meat, beverages, snacks, sides and desserts.
