Lulu Market is the newest small scale grocery store in the Chinatown portion of International District. Lulu took over two spaces - Golden Hong (a tiny market) and a noodle shop that has vacated long time ago. (This is the same location as the old China Gate restaurant, so the façade is ornate.) The combined space makes for a more comfortable shopping space, bigger than the nearby (and old) Dong Sing Market, smaller than farther Dong Hing Market (with a parking lot). All this matters because many elderly locals can only walk to buy groceries. Having more grocery options is pertinent to serving this dense and elderly community. I am excited for the locals, and I hope Lulu can keep the prices low (like Golden Hong was).
While Lulu is currently open, it is still work in progress with several cases in place but empty. Having the business open is important for the community (and their own bottom-line), so they have been partially opened for a while now. The outside (as of this writing) still has the signs of the previous businesses. The only Lulu sign is a screen at the window. The interior is brightly lit. The produce areas are particularly abundant and well-stocked, perfect for their clientele. The freezer inventory is much larger than Golden Hong. Good for stocking up a bit during the cold season and shop less often. They have a modest though sufficient amount of non-perishable, shelf-stable goods and also a selection of small item household goods such as gloves, sponges, etc. This market is sized and stocked for the immediate community. I thought the produce area is excellent. When I was there yesterday (on a Sunday), not one but two ladies were busy sorting through the boxes of produce before putting them on shelves. Nice! I will return even if just for produce.
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