Home / Business and Economy / Uwajimaya Returns to Tacoma After Century Absence
Uwajimaya Returns to Tacoma After Century Absence
6 Jul
Summary
- Uwajimaya Asian Market is planning a return to Tacoma.
- The new store is slated to open in 2027.
- The business was founded in Tacoma in 1928.
Uwajimaya Asian Market is confirmed to be returning to Tacoma, with a new store anticipated to open in 2027. This marks a significant homecoming for the business, which was originally founded in Tacoma in 1928 by Fujimatsu and Sadako Moriguchi. The family was later displaced during the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.
The business has filed an application for commercial alteration at the site of the former Hobby Lobby, located at 3130 S. 23rd St. While the application is currently awaiting revisions, the president and CEO, Denise Moriguchi, confirmed the company's commitment to the Tacoma location. She noted that the planning, permitting, and construction phases for grocery stores can be lengthy due to specialized systems and equipment.
Uwajimaya currently operates stores in Bellevue, Renton, and Beaverton, Oregon, offering a wide range of Asian groceries, kitchenware, and health products. The company expects to share initial plans and renderings for the Tacoma store in the coming weeks, possibly accompanied by 'Coming Soon' signage.
