99 Dahua Supermarket to Enter Flushing, Making Supermarket Competition More Intense

The first 99 Ranch Market in New York City (also known as 99大華) is set to open in Flushing, taking over the former Hong Kong Supermarket location. This addition will intensify the competition among supermarkets in Flushing, but it is seen as advantageous for consumers. Analysts believe that with several new residential buildings on Northern Boulevard set to be completed in the coming years, coupled with Flushing’s enduring popularity, there is potential for success with effective management. However, some analysts point out the inconvenience of parking along 37th Avenue and the distance from the subway entrance, which may present operational challenges.

99 Ranch Market, founded in California, is a well-known chain of supermarkets. The new Flushing store will be located at 37-11 Main Street, the former site of Hong Kong Supermarket that closed at the end of 2023, with recruitment ads already posted at the entrance. The opening date remains unclear, as it is reported that there is still some time needed for renovation and hiring.

Established in 1984 by Taiwanese immigrant Roger Chen in Los Angeles, 99 Ranch Market has the most locations in California and additional stores in Texas, New York, New Jersey, and Florida. The first store in New York State opened in Westbury on Long Island on April 9, 2022.

A Chinese supermarket operator noted that the arrival of 99 Ranch Market will escalate the competition in Flushing’s supermarket sector, a development that is inevitable. Despite the saturation of supermarkets and intense competition in Flushing, there is still money to be made due to the consistent foot traffic in the area. Success will depend on factors such as pricing, product quality, shopping environment, and convenience of parking.

Another supermarket operator mentioned that New Long Xing Supermarket’s entry into Flushing near the subway entrance in 2021 drew many customers from other supermarkets due to its strategic location. This posed a significant challenge to Hong Kong Supermarket at the time. While the location was a couple of streets away from the subway entrance, slightly less advantageous for attracting walk-in customers, the lack of convenient parking also presented difficulties in this competitive market.

Yu Diansong, the administrative director of the Flushing Business Improvement District, stated that representatives from 99 Ranch Market have visited the Business Improvement District office. The district warmly welcomes this renowned chain supermarket’s entry into Flushing, indicating their confidence and positive outlook on the Flushing market.

Despite the fierce competition in Flushing’s supermarket scene, Yu Diansong believes 99 Ranch Market offers a unique value proposition compared to local supermarkets. The supermarket has emphasized its diverse product offerings, aiming to attract a more diverse customer base, which is seen as a significant advantage for the community.

“With the closure of Hong Kong Supermarket, the area’s buzz along 38th Avenue heading north has quieted down. We hope that the arrival of 99 Ranch Market will help revitalize the northern part of Main Street,” Yu Diansong remarked. Coupled with the completion of new residential developments along Northern Boulevard in recent years, it is believed that this will also attract more foot traffic.