Last Updated on 2025 年 12 月 2 日 by 総合編集組
Why LOPIA Became Taiwan’s Hottest Japanese Supermarket in 2025 – The Complete Guide
In just under three years, Japan’s LOPIA (ロピア) has taken Taiwan by storm. From its first store in Taichung in 2023 to 9 massive locations across the island by December 2025, this “Low Price Utopia” supermarket has achieved what many thought impossible: annual revenue approaching NT$1.5 billion, average monthly sales per store over NT$30 million, and NT$100,000 revenue per ping per month — numbers that put even Taiwan’s biggest local chains on high alert.
The Origin Story: From a Tiny Butcher Shop to “Japanese Costco 2.0”
Founded in 1971 as a small meat shop in Kanagawa, Japan, LOPIA’s philosophy is simple: everyone deserves to eat premium food without going broke. The name itself means “Low Price Utopia.” Today it operates over 130 stores in Japan and has successfully exported its model overseas — with Taiwan chosen as its very first international market.
Explosive Expansion: 9 Stores in 2025 and Counting
As of December 2025, LOPIA operates nine huge stores in Taiwan: • Taipei – LaLaport Nangang (Mar 2025) • New Taipei – Xinzhuang (2024), Global Mall Zhonghe (2024) • Taoyuan – Chunri (2024) • Taichung – LaLaport (flagship, 2023) & IKEA (May 2025) • Tainan – Shin Kong Mitsukoshi (Aug 2025) • Kaohsiung – Hanshin Arena & Dream Mall (both 2025)
The company plans to reach 30 stores within the next three years and is even eyeing a tourist-focused branch in Kinmen.
Why Is Everything So Cheap Yet So Good?
LOPIA uses three clever strategies:
- “Individual Store Autonomy” – Each store manager acts like an independent owner and can adjust products and promotions to local tastes.
- 70% direct import from Japan + 30% local production in Taiwan (e.g., their famous Hokkaido cheesecake is actually baked fresh in Taiwan factories).
- Aggressive loss-leader pricing during the first months of every new opening to hook customers for life.
Must-Buy Items That Make People Go Crazy
- A5 Wagyu beef slices – ~NT$200 per 100g
- Giant 40 cm freshly baked pizza – only NT$250
- Super-thick sashimi platters (30+ pieces) – NT$580–680
- Whole Norwegian salmon filleted on the spot
- Seasonal Japanese snacks that sell out in hours (white strawberry KitKats, sakura drinks, etc.)
Real Customer Voices in 2025
Taiwanese netizens say: “My husband now stops at LOPIA every day after work — I can’t stop him!” “NT$250 pizza killed my desire to ever make pizza at home again.” “I thought the wagyu price tag was a mistake until I checked out.”
The only common complaints? Weekend crowds and parking nightmares — but most people agree it’s worth it.
The Bigger Picture: Changing Taiwan’s Supermarket Game
LOPIA didn’t just open stores; it forced every competitor to lower prices and upgrade fresh food sections. Local chains like PX Mart and Carrefour have visibly expanded their deli and imported sections since LOPIA arrived.
For foreigners living in or visiting Taiwan, LOPIA has become the #1 place to experience authentic yet affordable Japanese food culture through food — no plane ticket required.
Whether you’re an expat craving real Japanese ingredients, a foodie hunting the next viral snack, or a family looking for weekend meals, LOPIA in 2025 is impossible to ignore.
Come for the cheap Wagyu. Stay for the lifestyle.
