Seen in Everett got some calls from folks today giving us a heads-up that Kroger is closing the Fred Meyer Store at Casino and Evergreen Way in south Everett, Washington. We reached out to Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin who sent us the following statement via email:
I was saddened to learn that Fred Meyer has made the decision to close its South Everett location on Casino Road. For many years, this store has been an important resource for our community, and the City has worked closely with Fred Meyer and Kroger to support its success. Unfortunately, changes in the grocery industry and sales performance at this location have led to this decision. While this is not the outcome any of us hoped for, the City will do everything we can to reduce the impact of this closure on our residents and community. We are grateful for the partnership we’ve had with Fred Meyer and will continue working to support access to essential services for our neighborhoods.
Here is an email response sent to us from Tiffany Sanders at Kroger attributed to a Fred Meyer spokesperson:
“Fred Meyer is proud to serve communities across Washington. Unfortunately, due to a steady rise in theft and a challenging regulatory environment that adds significant costs, we can no longer make these stores financially viable. Despite doubling our safety and security investment over the past years, these challenges remain. Every associate will be offered a position at another location, and we remain committed to serving communities across Washington where we can operate sustainably.”
Employees at the store today seemed sad but not surprised. Apparently they were called into meetings this morning. We learned that positions at other locations in the area are being offered to employees on a seniority basis. The store is expected to closed around October 17th or 18th.
Ms. Sanders also sent the following information:
For background, here are some nearby Fred Myer and QFC stores as well as other grocers in the Everett area:
QFC 2615 N Broadway Avenue, Everett – KROGER
Fred Meyer 12906 Bothell Everett Highway, Everett – KROGER
QFC 4919 Evergreen Way, Everett – KROGER
Safeway 7601 Evergreen Way, Everett
Grocery Outlet 10115 Evergreen Way, Everett
Walmart 1605 SE Everett Mall Way, Everett
Trader Joes 1302 SE Everett Mall Way, Everett