Lotte Mart's Grand Return: 1,000 Shoppers Flock to Guri's Reopened Grocery Paradise After 4 Years

A Long-Awaited Homecoming: Why Guri Residents Were So Eager

Did you know? For four years, Guri had no large-scale supermarkets after Lotte Mart closed in 2021. Residents had to travel to neighboring cities for groceries, leading to widespread inconvenience and frustration. The reopening of Lotte Mart's Grand Grocery on June 26, 2025, wasn't just about a new store—it was the return of a community hub that had been missed dearly. Local blogs and community posts are filled with excitement, calling the reopening a 'dream come true' and a 'huge relief' for families and working professionals alike.

The Grand Grocery Concept: Next-Level Food Shopping

Lotte Mart's Grand Grocery format is all about food—95% of the first floor is dedicated to fresh produce, imported frozen goods, and ready-to-eat meals. With over 1,000 frozen products, it's the largest selection among all Lotte Mart branches. The deli section, bakery, and in-house kitchen offer everything from sushi platters to freshly baked bread. This focus on premium and convenient food options is designed to meet the needs of Guri's young families and busy professionals, a trend that's gaining traction across Korea's urban centers.

A New Era of 'Malling': Shopping Meets Leisure

The new Guri store isn't just a supermarket—it's a cultural and leisure space. The second floor is dedicated to family experiences, featuring the famous Toysrus toy store, a cultural center, and a book café. The idea is to transform shopping into an outing for the whole family, with places to relax, play, and learn. This 'malling' trend reflects a broader shift in Korean retail, where stores aim to be destinations for community gathering, not just commerce.

Opening Day: The Open Run Phenomenon and Community Buzz

On June 26, more than 1,000 people lined up before 10 a.m. for the grand reopening—a scene described as 'unprecedented' by local media. The parking lot was packed, traffic coordinators were on site, and some shoppers joked they were 'late to the party.' Social media buzzed with photos of long lines, bustling aisles, and excited shoppers. Community forums like DC Inside and Natepan featured both praise for the store's return and playful complaints about the crowds. Many noted that the reopening brought life back to the area, with nearby businesses also seeing increased foot traffic.

What Makes This Store Different? Local Sourcing and Community Focus

One standout feature is the store's commitment to local produce and collaboration with the Guri wholesale market. The 'coexistence vegetables' section offers fresh, locally sourced greens at prices up to 30% lower than before. This strategy not only supports local farmers but also appeals to health-conscious consumers. The store's design and product mix were shaped by detailed analysis of the local demographic: over 150,000 households within a 3km radius, with a high proportion of families in their 30s and 40s.

Cultural Context: Why Korean Supermarkets Are Evolving

Korean retail is in the midst of a transformation. With online shopping on the rise, brick-and-mortar stores are reinventing themselves as community spaces. The Grand Grocery format is part of this trend, emphasizing experience, convenience, and local engagement. For international fans, it's a glimpse into how Korean cities are blending tradition (like fresh market produce) with modern lifestyle demands. The Guri reopening is a case study in how retail can adapt to changing social needs.

Community Reactions: The Good, The Bad, and The Viral

On Korean forums, reactions are overwhelmingly positive. Top comments on DC Inside and Instiz praise the variety and freshness of the food, the family-friendly layout, and the return of a beloved local landmark. Some users joke about the 'open run' craze, while others share tips for navigating the crowds or finding the best deals. A few express concerns about parking and potential traffic congestion, but most agree that the benefits far outweigh the downsides.

Insider Tips for Visiting: What You Need to Know

If you're planning a visit, bloggers recommend arriving early to avoid peak crowds, especially on weekends. The store opens at 10:00 a.m. and closes at 11:00 p.m., with no regular closing days for now (except the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month). Parking is available but can fill up quickly. Must-try items include the deli's sushi platters, the bakery's signature bread, and the locally sourced vegetables. For families, the Toysrus and cultural center on the second floor are a big draw.

The Bigger Picture: Lotte Mart's Strategy and the Future of Korean Retail

Lotte Mart is positioning the Guri branch as a flagship for its new 'Grand Grocery' concept and as a key hub for its online grocery delivery service in northeastern Gyeonggi Province. The success of the reopening is likely to influence how other retailers approach community engagement and experiential shopping. For international observers, it's a fascinating example of how Korean retail is adapting to new consumer expectations while maintaining a strong sense of local identity.

Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Store—A Symbol of Community Revival

The reopening of Lotte Mart's Grand Grocery in Guri is about more than groceries—it's a story of local resilience, changing lifestyles, and the power of retail to bring people together. Whether you're a K-culture fan curious about daily life in Korea or a local resident celebrating the return of a neighborhood institution, this event captures the evolving spirit of modern Korean cities.