K-Pop Fans Find Their New Hangout in Citrus Park Town Center

A New Hub for K-Pop Enthusiasts in Tampa Bay

When customers step into Kpop Nabi at the Citrus Park Town Center, the first thing they notice is the central album display. This space is designed to resemble a cozy living room, with soft white couches that invite visitors to relax and explore the vibrant world of South Korean pop music and culture. The store’s co-owner, Yasmin Serrano, emphasized how this setup creates an inviting atmosphere for fans looking to dive deeper into their passion.

Kpop Nabi officially opened its doors in May and marks the first dedicated K-pop store in the Tampa Bay area. For Serrano, 22, her journey into K-pop began during high school when she was introduced to the genre by a Korean classmate at her Rhode Island boarding school. The music became a source of comfort during a stressful time, offering her an escape from the pressures of college applications.

Her brother, Dylan, played a key role in introducing her to K-pop merchandise. He collected albums and “photocards,” which are printed images of K-pop artists included in album packages. Their mother often took them on road trips to stores in Atlanta and Miami in search of these items. Serrano shared that while the excitement of unboxing physical albums was significant, the long drives were tiring.

The idea of opening a store came from a joke her brother made about starting their own business. Serrano took it seriously, especially after realizing that Tampa, despite being a growing city, lacked a dedicated K-pop retail space. She noted that even though there wasn’t a physical store, the local K-pop community was already quite active.

Initially, Serrano envisioned Kpop Nabi as an online store that would deliver locally. However, the business gained traction quickly through social media, particularly Instagram. The store first signed a lease in Tampa’s Seminole Heights neighborhood last summer but soon outgrew the small space. In the spring, they moved to the Citrus Park Town Center, where the walls are painted a vibrant bubblegum pink, and two TVs continuously play K-pop music videos and live performances.

“We’re really trying to establish our brand identity as a safe space and a community hub,” said Serrano. Customers can spend time on the couches or at a table with chairs, making the store more than just a retail space—it's a gathering spot.

Dana Martinez, 19, recently spent nearly $200 at Kpop Nabi during her first visit. She found the in-person experience more engaging and plans to return soon. Serrano also wants to support the existing K-pop fan community and vendors who were already present before the store opened. Near the entrance, there is a section where local vendors can sell their wares, including K-pop themed bracelets, keychains, and more. These independent sellers pay a flat fee of $30 per month to showcase their products.

The store has become a regular meeting place for K-pop lovers in Tampa. They host events such as meet-ups where fans can trade photocards and have watched parties for popular K-pop-related content, like the Netflix movie "KPop Demon Hunters."

Aurora Starks, 28, who lives near the Citrus Park Town Center, frequently visits Kpop Nabi. She attended a recent watch party and praised the store for being a place where fans can truly express their enthusiasm. “I hope the store stays around for a long time,” she said. “It’s a place to geek out.”

Kpop Nabi continues to grow and evolve, offering a unique blend of retail, community engagement, and cultural appreciation for K-pop fans in the Tampa Bay area.