West Van's Osaka Supermarket, a master merchandiser
Take a lesson in merchandising by exploring Vancouver's Japanese food specialist Osaka
In 1997, Canada's largest Asian grocery chain T&T added Osaka Supermarket after the Japanese-owned Yaohan Supermarket withdrew from the market.
Osaka was different from other stores as they adopted the Japanese style of operations.
In 2010, this second Osaka outlet opened in West Vancouver at the Park Royal Shopping Centre.
At the time of the opening, the company said that the store would carry more Japanese merchandise than other T&T stores.
The Japanese food specialist was bringing Asian food and culture to what was a predominantly white suburb.
The 37,000-sq.-ft. store is deemed a high-end Asian grocer, complete with a fresh seafood area, with extensive ready to eat meals to go or eat in store.
When the store opened, Cindy Lee, T&T's CEO, said in a report that the new addition to West Vancouver would serve her main goal of "multiculturalism."
Lee said the store was offering meals prepared with help from a gourmet grocer, offering the North Shore high-quality products at low prices.
Check out the gallery below to see a retailer that is a master merchandiser.
