Korean chain Mega Mart opens at Gwinnett Place this week

The second floor looks like a typical department store, with racks full of clothing and a large jewelry section, though there are some things -- shoes, undergarments and housewares, for instance -- shoppers will not find. What sets Mega Mart apart is the first-floor grocery store.

Korenbrot said she believes Gwinnett Place is the first Simon-owned mall to have a grocery store, and she hopes the multiple trips people take for groceries each week will mean more shoppers at the mall.

Ten wide aisles feature foods from a number of countries, including those that cater to Asian, Hispanic and American shoppers. The store has a large bakery with windows to the kitchen, a walk-in produce refrigerator and areas where customers can buy meat and fresh fish.

A large food court area has a bar with a conveyor belt of sushi, a coffee shop and stands with Chinese dumplings, fish cakes, kimchi, burritos, pizza and sandwiches.

Choi said the store's layout and content is subject to change and he will work hard to cater to customer preferences. Unfamiliar foods will be featured on a rotating basis.

While the third floor of the Macy's space remains empty, developer George Thorndyke said he expects to have a tenant for it in February. He is optimistic about how customers will embrace the store.

"I think it will catch on fast," he said. "The area needed some kind of infusion, some shock. This is the beginning."

Mega Mart will be open 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday.