T&T Supermarket plans second U.S. store
Canada’s largest Asian grocer is expanding its footprint in the United States.
T&T Supermarket Inc., a banner owned by Loblaw Companies Limited, has announced plans for a second location in Washington State. Located at the Lynnwood Crossroads Shopping Center, T&T said it chose the location to serve the fast-growing community in Lynnwood, Wash., and the northern Seattle area.
Last year, T&T announced their entry into the U.S., with a flagship in Bellevue, Wash. Originally scheduled to open this summer, the opening of the store has been delayed.
"Unfortunately, our electrical panel — a critical piece of equipment — is on backorder," said Tina Lee, CEO of T&T Supermarkets. "We do not have an official opening date for Bellevue yet, but we are determined to open later in the year."
The company said it never stopped looking at locations in Washington after the announcement of the Bellevue flagship.
"There's excellent growth potential here, and although we originally planned on only committing to a second location after Bellevue opens, we just couldn't resist this opportunity," said Lee. "It's a great location in a former grocery box – at 30,000 sq- ft., it's a fitting size for Lynnwood."
At T&T stores, customers can find a sushi counter, hot food bar, noodle station and in-store kitchen and bakery for freshly prepared delicacies such as steam buns and Asian pastries and cakes. The chain also carries more than 300 T&T private label products.
The same day it announced its latest expansion in the U.S., the retailer announced plans for a new 55,000-sq.-ft. location in Burnaby, B.C., set to open next summer. It will be the chain’s second store in the city.
Founded in 1993, T&T Supermarkets operates over 30 stores in British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec and Ontario.
Loblaw Companies Limited operates 2,500 stores across Canada.