Supermarket brings new Asian retailers

"As soon as Ranch 99 was signed, we were approached by many different Asian retailers," said Alex Podell, a partner in the company that owns the center.

Some of the different types of businesses include Asian bakeries, banks, hair salons, restaurants and a slew of service retailers. Now Podell said he's in the process of sorting through the different applicants; the decision has been narrowed down to a bank or a café. The café would most likely serve pearl milk tea drinks, he said.

The arrival of Ranch 99, which has several locations and a loyal following throughout the Bay Area, is a big factor piquing the interest of these retailers, Podell said. The Asian supermarket will be the new anchor tenant in the complex, replacing PW Supermarket. Ranch 99 expects to open by mid-March. PW Supermarket has not yet announced a closing date.

It's not just Ranch 99 that's bringing more Asian tenants to the neighborhood, however. Podell said he expects to see more shopping centers dominated by Asian retailers in the area. In fact, he said there's room for three more tenants in the Marlin Cove Shopping Center.

Asian-themed stores will likely thrive in the complex since there are many Asian residents in the area, Podell said. The center's 280-unit apartment complex is more than 70 percent Asian. On top of that, Podell said the store is set to attract shoppers from as far north as Burlingame and as far south as Palo Alto.

Currently, PW Supermarket is the anchor store in the Marlin Cove Shopping Center on Foster City Boulevard, which was redeveloped just two years ago with a mix of retail and housing.

Before the center was redeveloped, a string of supermarkets have come and gone from the location, but none really ever thrived. Also located in the center are a few restaurants, a hair salon, a real estate office and a Starbucks.

Foster City residents already have their pick from three major grocery stores within city borders; Safeway, Albertson's and Costco.

Yunmi Choi can be reached by e-mail at yunmi@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 109. What do you think of this story? Send a letter to the editor: letters@smdailyjournal.com.