For over two decades, Seattle and Tukwila Lam's Seafood Market has been more than just a store-it's been the beating heart of Little Saigon, where families have discovered culinary treasures impossible to find elsewhere. With tanks of live fish swimming beside displays of dragon fruit and durian, Lam's wasn't just selling groceries—it was preserving cultural heritage through food.
Today where online ordering and delivery have become the new normal, supermarkets face an exciting challenge: how to offer modern digital conveniences while preserving the special charm and expert approach to fresh delicacies that make supermarkets truly remarkable.
Before partnering with LocalExpress, Lam's Seafood faced mounting pressure from multiple fronts. Customer research revealed a 62% increase in online searches for authentic Asian ingredients, with busy professionals and suburban families particularly interested in specialty seafood delivery—if proper handling and quality could be maintained. Internal data showed an 18% stockout rate for popular items due to manual inventory management.
"When we first mentioned our online expansion plans, customers were curious and enthusiastic but had practical questions. 'How will you ensure the seafood stays fresh?' 'Can I really trust selecting live fish I haven't seen in person?' These were the questions we repeatedly heard," shares Teizi Mersai, Operation Manager of Lam's Asian Supermarket.
The answer came in the form of a partnership with LocalExpress that has since become a case study in digital transformation that strengthens rather than dilutes cultural authenticity.
"We're not just transforming shopping—we're democratizing access to cultural experiences," Teizi explains, her eyes lighting up. "With technology, we've extended our 10,000+ unique products—everything from rare tropical fruits to live seafood—beyond physical walls. What once required a special trip across town is now accessible to anyone with a smartphone."
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Teizi Mersai, Operation Manager of Lam's Asian Supermarket, notes: "The convenience factor has been revolutionary for both us and our customers. What used to require detailed inventory management and limited shelf space now flows through digital channels that expand our reach throughout the region. Our revenue has grown substantially without requiring additional physical space—the digital platform essentially gave us a new supermarket without construction costs."
In collaboration with LocalExpress, the Lam's team implemented an integrated suite of technologies specially designed for supermarkets and grocers:
Each week I review our sales reports, and the numbers are growths. We're reaching customers who previously couldn't access our store due to distance or time constraints. Busy professionals who value authentic Asian ingredients can now shop anytime, and we're building community with customers we've never even met in person. The technology hasn't just boosted revenue - it's made life easier for everyone involved."
Results since implementing the LocalExpress platform:
"What makes our digital expansion different is that technology hasn't replaced our personal connection—it's magnified it," explains Teizi Mersai, Operation Manager of Lam's Asian Supermarket.
The LocalExpress platform provides monthly updates that continuously enhance the experience, but Teizi believes the magic isn't in the code—it's in the connection.
"Our customers now interact with us in multiple dimensions. They might discover a rare fruit, fresh seafood, Asian vegetables, meat, produce, and groceries on our Mob App during their lunch break and have everything delivered fresh by dinnertime."
He smiles, adding: "We're not just delivering orders. We're delivering joy, cultural connection, and family traditions—just in a new format."
"I fell in love with Asian cuisine during my travels, but recreating those flavors at home was impossible because I could never find the right ingredients," shares Emma, browsing the extensive seafood catalog in the Lam's Seafood app.
"When we received our first order with live crabs and specialty Asian produce I couldn't believe the quality! Everything was perfectly packed with ice and insulation”.
The family especially values how the app has simplified access to ingredients that were previously impossible to find, making their culinary adventures both convenient and educational.
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"My husband's parents are very particular about ingredients for traditional celebrations. We needed specific varieties of fish, certain tropical fruits, and specialty spices that are nearly impossible to find unless you know exactly where to look," Lisa recalls.
When a friend recommended Lam's Seafood app with LocalExpress, Lisa was amazed by the variety and convenience. The scheduled delivery feature ensured everything arrived fresh at the specified time for the celebration.
"When my parents tasted the dishes, they were moved to tears," David proudly shares. "Everything from the specific variety of fish to the exact spices they remembered from their childhood was perfect. My mother kept asking how we found these ingredients, and was astonished when we showed her the app. Now they use it themselves, even though they're traditionally very hesitant with technology."
The convenience factor transformed what would have been days of stressful shopping into a seamless experience, allowing the family to focus on what really mattered—creating memories together.
LocalExpress offers supermarkets and grocers a path to greater convenience, expanded reach, and increased revenue through seamless technology integration.
"We've discovered an amazing truth—the right technology makes life easier for everyone while strengthening our business," reflects Teizi Mersai, Operation Manager of Lam's Asian Supermarket.
"Our customers get convenient access to hard-to-find products, we generate more revenue without expanding our physical footprint, and our community grows beyond geographic boundaries. The convenience factor has transformed specialty grocery shopping from a time-consuming chore into an enjoyable experience anyone can access."
"We used to think going digital meant becoming less personal," reflects Teizi Mersai, Operation Manager of Lam's Asian Supermarket. "What we've discovered is exactly the opposite—the right technology lets us be more connected to our community than ever before. We're not just selling groceries; we're preserving heritage, building neighborhood resilience, and creating a new model for what a local market can be in the digital age."
LocalExpress is providing a blueprint for thriving in an industry where community connection is the ultimate competitive advantage: be more convenient, profitable, and community-centered in the digital age while preserving the authentic expertise that makes specialty retailers irreplaceable.
https://tukwila.lamsseafood.com
https://seattle.lamsseafood.com
Tukwila store: 243 Minkler Boulevard Tukwila, WA 98188
Seattle store: 1221 S.King St. Seattle, WA 98144
