Japanese arcade company Kiddleton obtained a permit for 28 mechanical amusement devices inside H Mart in November.
The company, which has over 176 locations in the United States, including two in San Francisco's Japan Center shopping mall, has permission for installing 15 claw machines, one anime character card game machine, 10 toy vending machines, one kiddie ride with a claw machine and one skill-based game machine.
Kiddleteon specializes in games targeting Gen Z. Players can test their skills and win "kawaii" prizes, such as exclusive plushies anime-themed items.
No representatives from Kiddleton or H Mart responded to multiple requests for comment. The arcade will be inside H Mart's new wing.
H Mart, a popular Korean grocery store chain, opened its San Francisco location in April 2021, and announced plans to expand into a former 24 Hour Fitness space nextdoor in 2023. By 2024, H Mart bought the shopping center.
