Image: Jennie Lenman
The closing of yet another small business – this time a popular Asian supermarket – has hit hard. This isn’t just any store shutting down; it’s a place that’s been part of the local scene for years, offering a unique mix of products and a slice of Asian culture. Its loss is felt deeply by a community that’s already seen too many familiar businesses disappear this year.
After 28 years of operation, the Kim Wang Supermarket is shutting at the end of April.
The news broke out on ARN’s Jennie Lenman’s social media, quickly becoming a hub for shared memories and expressions of disappointment.
Angelo Tullio called the supermarket “part of the very fabric and character of the Central Market,” highlighting its integral role in the area.
Molly Latooy’s comment, “Awww no way!! Such a good shop. The markets will suffer its loss,” reflects a broader concern about the impact on the market as a whole.
And Felix Patrikeeff summed it up as “a terrible loss,” pointing out that it was the best Asian supermarket in Adelaide.
These reactions underline a larger issue: small businesses are struggling. High rents, competition from online giants, and the economic strain from recent global challenges have made it tough for local shops. This year has been particularly harsh, with a range of businesses from cozy cafes to specialty bookstores closing down, each loss leaving a gap in the community.
The closing of the beloved Asian supermarket is not an isolated event in Adelaide but part of a concerning pattern of local favorites shutting down, a trend underscored by the recent closures of Cardones, a well-regarded Italian eatery, and Lost in a Forest, a quirky and beloved wine bar known for its unique ambiance and artisan pizzas.
But the supermarket’s closure is about more than just losing a convenient place to shop. It represented a bridge between cultures, a spot where people could discover new flavours, where immigrants found reminders of home, and where the community could celebrate its diversity.
But there’s still a few weeks. So let’s get behind them!
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