The Everett community received news with a mix of disappointment and concern as the announcement came down from Kroger about the upcoming closure of the Casino Road Fred Meyer. Officials and residents are bracing for the impact that this will have on local shopping options and the broader socioeconomic landscape of South Everett. Slated for shutdown on October 18, the grocery store has served as a staple for the community's families for years.
Much to the Everett City officials' surprise, who were informed yesterday morning, Mayor Cassie Franklin did not take the news quietly. "I am incredibly disappointed by Kroger’s decision to close the South Everett Fred Meyer on Casino Road," Mayor Franklin stated, highlighting the significant contributions the City has made to support the store—including regular meetings with leadership and enhanced public safety measures. A press release from the City conveyed that these efforts had yielded tangible results, citing a nearly 50% drop in crime at the store in the past year and an 82% decrease in shoplifting since 2020.
Regardless of the strides made in safety and community engagement, the store's closing reflects a broader trend in retail as consumer habits shift and new technologies emerge. Mayor Franklin called the decision one of multiple closures across the state by Kroger, troubling due to the potential impacts on grocery accessibility for working-class families. In a release obtained by the City of Everett, the Mayor deeply expressed her concern for how such changes affect local residents and emphasized her duty to advocate for them.
Proactive measures by the City of Everett are already in place to mitigate the disruption, with an outreach effort to guide families towards alternative grocery and market options launched. They are also engaging with nearby businesses to navigate the effects and explore avenues of support. A list of nearby stores and resources is being made available at www.everettwa.gov/southstores, helping the community respond to this significant change.
Looking towards the future, Mayor Franklin and her administration set their sights on redevelopment opportunities at the crucial site, integrating these plans with the South Everett Economic Development Strategy and the future light rail. With a vigilant eye on progress and community needs, the Mayor stated, "Our community deserves stability, access and opportunity. We will continue to stand with South Everett families, partners and community and work every day to deliver on those priorities." As the date of closure draws nearer, Everett is facing these challenges head-on, balancing immediate needs with strategic planning for the long-term health and vitality of the community.
