Finally, the day of opening arrives for the controversial Jmart of Bensonhurst, replacing the defunct Waldbaum's of 2015 with a gigantic newly renovated Asian-owned department store. It has brought with it much anticipation, anger, erupting racial tensions between the Italian and Asian community, community meetings by Board 11 to settle said tensions, soothing talks of carrying all kinds of ethnic produce, parking lot disputes, and more. Ultimately, the new kid on the block's ability to cater effectively to this mixed region - a difficult task to be sure - will determine its standing in the neighborhood.
The store was absolutely packed - however owing to the otherwise efficient layout and decent spacing for shoppers to walk through, it was easy to navigate. Very similar to our old friends Walmart and Stop N Shop, with the exception of all the dried goods laid out in self-serve containers mid-store.
It is neatly divided into isles clearly stating the expected goods per section. I am happy to report that per the promises made, Italian goods receive their own sections close to the left of the store. Everything was neatly laid out, delineated, in logical order, and with prices and goods marked without any confusion. As you proceed towards the right, you will find more Chinese-catered and then Japanese (!!!) snacks for those looking for all kinds of Pocky, Ramune-flavored candies, fruit gummy candies, mochi, and much more. To those who don't know these things, I highly encourage you to try them - I know my hopes for this store have been satisfied. The meat section in the back looked extensive and fresh - I saw fatty meat slices for hotpot for you DYI lovers, duck, and much more. To the very right of the store you'll find an admittedly traditionally smelly seafood section, per the usual Asian stores selling live and pre-sliced fish. This is probably the first and only time I will see this in a large, American-style department store. One more concern worth noting was that while the store does not have a dedicated organic section, they do carry organic milk and other products that are now commonly found in large stores - unfortunately the prices were rather on the high side compared to the Netcost on the same avenue. Overall, while the store does appear to cater mostly to the Asian (Chinese) demographic, I believe that everyone will find something here, and the American selection is stocked.
Going back towards the front for the lines, you will see non-edible goods including household products - again these are both the usual American brands and some new Asian ones, for toothpaste, hygiene needs, baking needs, and random party/gift flavors like tennis ball-sized lollipops. The lines were very long today, but efficient.
Please note that the store does not accept EBT yet (quite commonly accepted in most groceries due to the older demographic here), but all else is. I look forward to updating my review with more information to come, and here's to our newest addition to the neighborhood. read more