168 Asian Mart doubles in size, plans food hall
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168 Asian Mart's expansion. Photo: Annalise Frank/Axios
168 Asian Mart, already among the state's largest Asian grocery stores, is doubling in size by expanding into a former Big Lots next door.
Why it matters: 168 is a regional draw for imported packaged goods and produce in a big strip mall in Madison Heights, known as a Metro Detroit hotspot for Asian food businesses.
The latest: The popular store, doubling its previous 40,000 square feet, is open during the expansion.
- As of a visit last week, shoppers could venture through the entire expanded section, though some shelves were empty as products were shifted to accommodate the new space.
Zoom in: Expect more products, a grab-and-go section, a kids' play area, and bigger meat and seafood departments, 168 wrote on Facebook.
Plus: 168 already has a fresh food counter and seating, but is planning a larger food hall inside. It's seeking restaurant tenants.
- "Exciting new vendors and dining options are coming soon," the website says.
168 didn't respond to Axios' requests for comment.
Zoom out: The grocery was established in 2010 and is part of 168 Group, a company that includes nearby hotpot restaurant Lao Pot, 168 Crab & Karaoke in Madison Heights and Flint and home goods store Beyond Home.
The big picture: The store sells products from South Korea, Japan, China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand, 168 Group president Cindy Wang told WDIV in May for a story on the thriving Asian grocery scene in and around Madison Heights.
- "We're here to create," Wang told WDIV. "That's why we need a bigger market — to have people come here for fun, for food, and for all the things they want in their life."
Plus, Vietnamese-owned Kim Nhung Superfood also recently expanded in Madison Heights, Metro Times reported.