In response to the growth of the Asian Canadian population, a locally based Korean grocery chainlet is adapting by revamping itself and planning an expansion throughout Metro Vancouver.

Hannam Supermarket first opened at 106–4501 North Road in Burnaby in 1998, followed by a second location at 1–15357 104 Avenue in Surrey in 2003.

The stores offer a range of produce, seafood, Asian-cut meat, housewares, and various grocery items, with a focus on Korean, Japanese, and Chinese products.

Business development representative Brian Park told the Georgia Straight that the stores will be relaunching as HNS Hannam, to reflect their expansion beyond the Korean community and to appeal to diverse cultural demographics.

The company is preparing to open its first downtown Vancouver location on the second floor at 202–1323 Robson Street (at Jervis Street) in an area populated by Korean eateries and ramen shops.

This new store (in the former location of Semiramis Mediterranean Mezze Bar) will shift towards an emphasis on ready-to-eat, ready-to-cook, and deli food.

Park said that although the West End store, which will be approximately 5,000 square feet, will be somewhat smaller than their other locations, they are working to retain the widest possible product range available.

The location, which is aiming for a May opening, will also have 70 underground parking stalls.

But this new store will only be the start—Park added that two larger HNS Hannam stores will also open in North Vancouver and Langley in the near future.