Kimchi Mart 김치마트 at Hollywood FL — Local services in Hollywood

I’ve been a regular at Kimchi Mart for 5+ years. Back before the Hollywood location existed, I was going every week to the Pembroke location. It’s not an exaggeration to say I’ve spent thousands at that location alone. I once spent $600 on one trip. Products were always being moved around and changed, and I became used to it. I switched to the Hollywood location when they opened. They’re different in terms of items in stock and even their rewards system, which isn’t shared. I wish it was, but it’s not a big deal. I usually buy the large Korean green onions, 대파. One day I went, as I do every couple of weeks, and they looked different. The tag said “leeks” and the bundle had a band that said something like “from Mexico”. There were also the smaller green onions you usually find in American grocery stores. I asked a nearby employee, who was Hispanic, if they could confirm if this was leek or Korean green onion. Tags aren’t always accurate, especially during changes. The employee didn’t know and got another who also didn’t know. I don’t fault them for not knowing, but when they give you a wrong answer just to move you along instead of being honest, that’s bad customer service. And this store has bad customer service. Employees are usually stocking or talking amongst themselves, no problem, but they’ll look at you then continue ignoring you, even if you’re visibly struggling in their vicinity. The only friendly employees tend to be the young women at the register or boba counter. That paired with the fact that most don’t know anything about the products: what they are, how much they cost, or where they’re from, is disappointing. I also used to find Korean pads with herbs that help when you’re experiencing menstrual symptoms, and I adored them. One day I stopped seeing them. I asked an employee, and they said they never carried that item. Bruh. I asked them to clarify with their supervisor, who shook his head and said no. If they’re gone, they’re gone. Probably not popular or seasonal or hard to restock. But to lie and say they never existed is wrong. I’ve lived in Port Saint Lucie and got used to La Rice Market, which was similar but had less stock and was more expensive. I’ve bought from Yamibuy. I could get HMart delivered if I wanted to. But Kimchi Mart has always been my favorite. I’ve kept coming even despite the rising prices, loss of favorites, and the other stuff. I appreciate things like the fresh banchan, and I’d rather support that than the mass-produced brands. Little things like the Korean green onion, the herbal pads, they matter to me. They’re part of what makes Kimchi Mart feel different from a farmers market or local chain. All of this is unrelated to today, but it’s why I’m fed up. Two weeks ago I bought a new item, a 30-pack of Mcnulty goat milk protein stevia coffee mix. It had a label and was $4. I liked it so much I wanted backups. I went today, the tag was gone. I asked the cashier if it was still $4. She flagged someone down. He guessed out loud it was $19.99. Bro. Even the more expensive Maxim options don’t go above $6–7. I asked them to confirm with the older Korean gentleman who I assume knows more. They came back and told me it was $11. So from $4 to $11 in two weeks? That’s nearly a 300% markup. I felt completely insulted. I’ve accepted a lot, but now I feel taken advantage of. You can keep the koreaboos who come in randomly and buy the most cliché items, and the others who treat your store like Walmart, leave carts messy outside, and open items without buying them. (Yes, I bought Ottogi sesame oil and when I got home, someone had already opened the inside. I didn’t bother trying to exchange it because I already knew no one working here would care.) And the points system is really sad. I spend $50 to $200 every visit and give my number every time. Workers never offer. I’ve asked about my points and been told they didn’t know how to check or apply them. When I finally got someone to do it, you know how much it took off? One dollar. LOL. I used to love this place, but I won’t be...

Came several times to shop. Store is ok, and we just go because it’s closer to our house than other Asian stores such as Foodtown and Beijing. Many of the times when we go there is no one at the cashier and we have to actually search for cashiers or just stand there and wait for someone to finally come. There is a lady at the bubble tea stand and thankfully she was able to answer some of the questions or look for items that we needed, although she doesn’t work at the market, she happened to know the items that we needed.

But isn’t there supposed to be people at the cashier or someone that can help us find items? Can’t believe we have to wait for the employees to come help us. Or at least put a bell or something so we can make a sound that we are waiting. It was awkward when we had to stand at the cashier and few others behind us just silently waiting.

Another time I went I finally saw a lady with black ponytail. I know her English is not perfect, but she sounded as if she was upset, tired, or something. The way she answered my question wasn’t pleasant at all. Don’t know why she’s working there if she has to sound so upset and is not willing to help out customers. Mind as well just stay home or find a job where you don’t have to talk.

Not sure if I will be back for this kind of service and quality. Maybe if I really need something quick...

I LOVE this Store! Super CLEAN, Staff Exceptional! Especially Don & my cashier Pablo! I left behind a bag of perishable food & kept searching my car/trunk for it...ONE CALL from my receipt & They actually picked up & was a * A Real Live Person* answering & Onsight at the Location** - not a voicemail -not a chat box... They checked w my very detailed receipt I had (thankful for that service too!) received providing time, date, details & even the name of my cashier Pablo; Don The staff member manager who answered my call - said YES! We have your bag & we'll refrigerate it for you till end of day to come back & pick up!!!

**They answered the call on the first ring & My left behind purchased food bag was recovered all within less than 3 minutes!

That's really great customer service!!! Can't thank you enough!

PLUS + They have an extraordinary selection of frozen foods from all over Asia, in super clean, Well ventilated & displayed freezers, aisle after aisle, fresh made foods, preserved foods, dry packaged foods spices everything you can imagine... It's like the museum of dumplings, noodles, buns, ramen, & so much more... you can get lost in that store!

Everything you see on a one-off TikTok video that youve seen & want try=probably could be found in the kimchi-Mart

TY & APPRECIATE...