Yue Wa, a cornerstone of Chinatown’s community and a vital source of affordable groceries for its residents, is set to close by the end of September after 18 years of operation. The owner, Amy Tran, faced numerous challenges that made sustaining the business difficult, including the enduring impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, a series of burglaries, recent ICE raids, and shifting neighborhood demographics.
Tran, who has been a part of the Chinatown community since her immigration from Vietnam in the 1990s, witnessed the neighborhood transform from a vibrant hub for Asian immigrants to one that feels increasingly deserted. The changes in the local environment have significantly affected foot traffic and, subsequently, her business.
Standing at the entrance of her store, Tran continues to serve customers with her signature approach—bagging produce and engaging in friendly conversation. Despite her dedication, Tran expressed her frustration with the dwindling customer base: “I don’t feel ready to let go of the store, but there’s not much I can do to bring more people in,” she lamented.
Originally starting as an herbal supplement and tea shop, Tran adapted her business based on the needs of her customers, expanding to fresh produce as demand grew. She frequented downtown produce warehouses to procure fruits and vegetables, responding to the community’s desire for fresh ingredients.
“She started selling fruits and expanded to vegetables,” said Derek Luu, Tran’s son. He noted how the business shifted to accommodate the needs of local residents, leading to an assortment of items including everything from oranges and mangoes to bitter melon and eggplant.
Yue Wa became a vital resource for the low-income and elderly residents of Chinatown, who often could not travel far for groceries. With nearly 30% of Chinatown’s residents living below the poverty line, Tran’s commitment to providing affordable produce was a lifeline for many.
However, the dynamic in Chinatown began to shift markedly around 2016, with the introduction of trendy restaurants and galleries that catered to a different demographic, resulting in a noticeable decline in her clientele. Tran, feeling the constraints of gentrification, considered relocating her business but ultimately chose to remain in Chinatown due to her deep ties to the community.
Yet her situation grew increasingly precarious due to a combination of factors including a significant drop in customer traffic, the ongoing fear in the immigrant community due to ICE raids, and the menace of crime.
Derek Luu stepped away from his studies at UCLA during the pandemic to assist his mother at the store, especially concerned about the increase in anti-Asian violence at the time. Amy Tran faced harassment and violence, enduring repeated theft and feeling the profound effects of an unsettled atmosphere in Chinatown.
“I didn’t want to hear a story of my mom getting punched,” Derek said, reflecting on the community’s growing challenges. They encountered persistent theft, resulting in financial losses that compounded the stress of maintaining a viable business.
The ongoing crime wave in the area has left many businesses feeling vulnerable. Tran and her family reported losing over $100,000 due to theft and damages over the past decade. “The burglaries happen throughout Chinatown all the time, but they are very underreported,” Derek stated, emphasizing the shared struggles of local businesses facing similar crises.
To enhance safety, the family invested in security measures, yet they still faced multiple break-ins, culminating in a raid on their home. Physical assaults also became increasingly common, significantly affecting the family’s sense of safety and their ability to run the store.
Ultimately, the combination of rising costs, fear of crime, and the toll on Tran’s health due to diabetes and cataracts made it impossible to continue. As expenses mounted, Derek Luu initiated a GoFundMe to help ease the burden of medical and security expenses, but it was not enough.
As the closing date approaches, Derek reflects on the legacy created by Yue Wa, noting that his mother provided not just groceries but a sense of connection and heritage for the community. “The fact that this was here is a testament to something. My mom put in a really good 18 years keeping this community fed and in touch with their heritage. That’s something,” he asserted.
The closure of Yue Wa marks more than just the end of a local market; it signifies the struggles of a community grappling with economic change, diminishing local resources, and the enduring challenges faced by immigrant families in an evolving urban landscape.
image source from：latimes
