Lakewood's Beloved Asian Market Up for Sale After 40+ Years

Family-run Korean grocery known for kimchi and banchan prepares to retire

Apr. 17, 2026 at 9:23am

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a selection of premium Korean grocery items like glass jars of kimchi, stacks of banchan containers, and traditional ceramic dishware, all arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic seamless background, conceptually representing the uncertain future of a beloved community business.As a beloved family-owned Korean grocery store prepares to close its doors after over 40 years, its unique offerings and loyal customer base suggest an opportunity for a new owner to continue its legacy in the Lakewood community.Lakewood Today

After more than 40 years in business, the owners of Lakewood's beloved Asian Market, a family-run Korean grocery store known for its kimchi and banchan, have put the store up for sale as they prepare to retire. Regulars from across the South Sound have long traveled to the store on Bridgeport Way SW, and the owners say they're torn about closing but may keep operating for months or even years until a buyer appears.

Why it matters

Asian Market has been a fixture in the Lakewood community for over four decades, providing residents with hard-to-find Korean groceries and prepared foods. Its closure would be a significant loss for the local Asian community and those who have come to rely on the store's unique offerings. The sale also highlights the challenges small, independent businesses face in an evolving retail landscape.

The details

Asian Market, a family-owned Korean grocery store that has operated in Lakewood for over 40 years, is now up for sale as the owners prepare to retire. The store, located on Bridgeport Way SW, is known for its wide selection of kimchi, banchan, and other hard-to-find Korean ingredients and prepared foods. Regulars from across the South Sound have long made the trip to Asian Market to stock up on these specialty items. The owners say they're torn about closing the store but may continue operating for several more months or even years until a buyer is found.

  • Asian Market has been in business for over 40 years, opening in the early 1980s.
  • The owners have now decided to put the store up for sale as they prepare to retire.

The players

Asian Market

A family-owned Korean grocery store that has operated in Lakewood, Washington for over 40 years, known for its selection of kimchi, banchan, and other hard-to-find Korean ingredients and prepared foods.

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What’s next

The owners of Asian Market will continue operating the store while they search for a buyer, which could take several months or even years.

The takeaway

The impending closure of Lakewood's Asian Market after over four decades in business highlights the challenges small, independent businesses face in an evolving retail landscape. The store's loyal customer base and unique offerings, however, suggest there may be an opportunity for a new owner to continue its legacy in the community.