Norwich shopping centre to welcome first Korean supermarket

Castle Quarter is set to become home to the city’s first dedicated Korean supermarket. Itaewon, a popular Korean supermarket chain, has signed a ten-year lease for unit 12 at the scheme, bringing an array of Korean flavors to the city.

The arrival of Itaewon follows the recent addition of two other food retailers to Castle Quarter: vegan butcher Vishcakes & Vibs and candy store Candy Galore. These new openings further expand the scheme’s diverse grocery options, catering to a wide range of shoppers.

Castle Quarter has undergone a transformation in recent years, shifting its focus from traditional retail to social, leisure, and lifestyle experiences. Notable additions include Boom Battle Bar, Putt Putt Noodle, Escape Hunt, and Castle Social, a market hall-style street food concept. Hank’s Dirty has also expanded its presence within the scheme, while Vue Cinema is planning a major refurbishment in 2024.

These changes have been accompanied by a surge in footfall and sales. Visitor numbers for the year to date are 10.7% higher than in 2022, while turnover is up 22.4%. Average dwell time has also increased, and trading hours have been extended, reflecting the growing appeal of Castle Quarter as a destination for social and leisure activities.

Will Ashdown, asset manager at RivingtonHark, said: “The arrival of Itaewon is a true testament to the diverse range of occupiers we have attracted to Castle Quarter. It will serve a growing demand in the city for Korean products and flavors, and further strengthens our position as Norwich’s leading destination. Together with the leisure, dining, and entertainment options on offer, we are giving people multiple reasons to visit Castle Quarter, and this is reflected in our recent trading success.”

Castle Quarter offers a unique blend of social, leisure, and lifestyle experiences, spanning 387,000 square feet of space and incorporating one of the city center’s main car parks, with 820 spaces.

Roche and Jamieson Mills are the retained agents for Castle Quarter.