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| 7/1/2009 | Email this article • Print this article | Toua Xiong Purchases HmongTown Market
By Amy Doeun
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| Toua Xiong and his wife, Nou Vang, proudly stand by their sign for the new HmongTown Maketplace. (Cheu Lee / HMONG TIMES) |
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In 2004 Toua Xiong started the first Hmong operated flea market in the Twin Cities. It quickly became a gathering place not only for the Hmong community but other Southeast Asians as well.
On March 13, 2009 the International Market Place officially became Hmong owned as well as operated. After extending his lease briefly, Xiong was able to find financing to close the deal. He now owns the original 2 buildings on the east side of the market plus a third building to the west that was purchased. "My landlords have completely moved out," Xiong said. Though business remains good as usual Xiong said, "Mentally my stress is relieved some. There is a big difference between being a tenant or an owner. Being an owner is much better." The site is roughly 10 acres total.
Already the Market is making plans to improve the newly acquired site which includes a 30,546 square foot building and additional parking. This will include upgrading the physical building to be move in ready by November. The Market place then rents space out to vendors on a 1-3 year basis. There is already a waiting list of vendors waiting for space in the new building.
HMONG TIMES asked Mr. Xiong if he anticipated this level of success back in 2004 when he first started the flea market. "I knew exactly how it would turn out," he replied.
After the initial improvements to building number 3, set to be completed in November 2009, Xiong plans to continue improving the property including the parking lot, an additional building over the outdoor portion and a pond. The food court will stay in the west building, but the 3rd building will have 3-4 restaurants and an upscale eating area. The grocery area will stay in the east building.
The 2nd stage of construction will include 600 parking places. Safety of customers is always a concern. There will be ample lighting in the parking lots and the management for the Hmong market is working closely with the fire department to correct any problems.
In addition to physical changes to the site, the name is changing from International Market Place to HmongTown Market. "This is right in the heart of the Hmong people," Cheu Lee, a community leader shared. To celebrate, the market will be hosting its first annual festival. Watch for details. The market will remain open throughout construction.
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St. Paul, MN
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