The Changing Grocery Landscape in Seattle: A New Chapter for Ballard’s Former New Seasons Market
Seattle’s grocery scene is undergoing another significant transformation, this time in the Ballard neighborhood, where a former New Seasons Market is set to reopen under a new banner. The location, which has been dormant since 2019, is now poised to welcome H Mart, a popular Asian grocery chain, according to a recent report by The Seattle Times. This development marks the latest twist in a story that once hinted at Amazon’s potential expansion into the space.
The site at 951 NW Ballard Way was previously home to a New Seasons Market, a Portland-based grocery chain that opened its doors in May 2018. However, just 18 months later, the store closed as part of a broader merger involving regional grocery chains. The closure left a gap in the neighborhood, but speculation about its future began almost immediately. In early 2021, Amazon was linked to the property after permit filings revealed that the tech giant was conducting electrical improvements on the site. By January 2023, a Seattle permit filing for a boiler or pressure vessel inspection referred to the location as “Amazon Market,” fueling rumors that Amazon might be eyeing the space for its own grocery venture.
Despite the initial buzz, Amazon never moved forward with opening a retail store at the location. Instead, the site remained shuttered, and the company used it to test grocery-related technology. Amazon’s physical grocery strategy has been in flux over the past few years. The company has removed its “Just Walk Out” cashierless technology from some large grocery stores and closed several smaller Amazon Fresh locations, including a Fresh pickup spot in Ballard in 2023. These shifts suggest that Amazon is still experimenting with its approach to brick-and-mortar grocery retail.
Now, the property is taking a new direction. According to a source familiar with the matter, Amazon has subleased the space to H Mart, a national Asian grocery chain with a strong presence in the Seattle area. H Mart, which started in Queens, New York, in 1982, has grown to over 97 stores across the U.S. The chain is known for its wide selection of Asian groceries, fresh produce, and prepared foods, making it a beloved destination for foodies and residents seeking diverse culinary options. With existing locations in the University District and downtown Seattle, H Mart’s expansion into Ballard is a natural fit for the neighborhood’s vibrant community.
The Ballard location is part of what locals affectionately call “Grocery Alley,” a stretch of road on the east side of the neighborhood that is already home to several major grocery stores, including Fred Meyer, PCC Natural Market, and Trader Joe’s. This concentration of grocery options has made the area a convenient shopping hub for residents. The arrival of H Mart not only fills a vacant space but also brings a unique cultural and culinary perspective to the mix, enriching the neighborhood’s retail landscape.
As Seattle’s grocery landscape continues to evolve, the story of this Ballard storefront reflects broader trends in the industry. From Amazon’s experiments with grocery technology to the rise of specialty chains like H Mart, the region’s shoppers are benefiting from a diverse and dynamic retail ecosystem. Whether it’s the convenience of Amazon’s innovations or the cultural offerings of H Mart, the future of grocery shopping in Seattle looks both exciting and unpredictable.
