A flood of new Asian chain stores arriving in Denver creates excitement and concern

Jolie Noguchi, the third-generation head of Pacific Mercantile, has seen the arrival of H Mart and Great Wall in Denver. But now she is concerned about Hashi Market, a New York-based Japanese-themed chain that plans to open in Aurora. Hashi Market will be located across from one of Great Wall’s stores, and it will have a kitchen to make fresh bentos and serve sushi.

Hashi Market was brought to Noguchi’s attention by her daughter, Alyssa, who will be the fourth-generation owner of Pacific Mercantile. Alyssa will be making plans for the store’s evolution, including hosting pop-up events and adding a kitchen for fresh bentos in the store. But Alyssa is still planning these ideas during Sakura Square’s eventual revitalization.

Recently opened shops with Asian influences include Teso Life in Aurora, two locations of the 85-Degree C Bakery Café, and several Colorado locations of Daiso. There is also Dajoa Premium Market in Aurora, a smaller gourmet Korean grocery store that opened in December 2025. All of these shops offer Asian snacks and packaged foods.

Noguchi is happy to see more acceptance of Asian culture in Denver, but from a business perspective, it certainly represents economic pressure. She believes there is no market for this many in Denver.

Havana Business Improvement District executive director Chance Horiuchi embraces the new arrivals, but she acknowledges the increasing competition they bring. She notes that small stores do not have the same buying power as larger chains. So, yes, that part is concerning, because she knows that cuts the competition. She is concerned about the really small mom-and-pop shops that have been around for 40-plus years.

Aurora has been a magnet for these companies, both large and small. Daiso, Teso Life, H Mart, Great Wall and many others are concentrated not just along the Havana strip, but throughout the city. The demographics of the area meet the needs. … Every intersection of Havana can get anywhere from 40,000 to 60,000 cars.

Horiuchi notes that the popularity of Asian culture and food makes it harder for smaller businesses to compete. It’s not just Daiso or Teso Life anymore. It’s almost everyone. Target carries (Asian goods). Five Below carries a lot of stuff. … King Soopers now has a pretty good Asian department. … It’s almost everyone.

More stores are expected to open soon. A One Plus One Chinese grocery store is slated to open near DIA in 2028. The property will include both hot pot and pho restaurants.