MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Fred Meyer to close second Tacoma store within a year

Aug 31, 2026, 6:51 AM | Updated: 4:03 pm

Fred Meyer tacoma...

A Fred Meyer store in Washington. (Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)

(Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)

Fred Meyer announced it is closing another store in Tacoma.

First reported by The Tacoma News Tribune, the grocery chain is shutting down its James Center location at 6901 S 19th Street. It’s the second Fred Meyer to close in Tacoma in roughly a year.

The grocery workers union said Kroger declined to renew the lease because of rising rental costs. The store will stay open until the lease runs out on Jan. 30.

“Fred Meyer never takes the decision to close a store lightly, and after careful evaluation, we have made the difficult decision to close our Tacoma store located at 6901 S. 19th St.,” Fred Meyer said in a prepared statement obtained by The Tacoma News Tribune. “We remain committed to serving our Tacoma-area customers and look forward to welcoming them at our nearby Fred Meyer and QFC locations.”

Approximately 100 workers will be affected by the closure.

Fred Meyer’s only remaining Tacoma store is the Stevens location, also located on S 19th Street. The next closest Fred Meyer is in the neighboring town of University Place. Two QFC locations are still in operation in Tacoma.

Bothell Fred Meyer evacuated for fire

The Fred Meyer in Bothell was evacuated earlier this month due to a fire inside the store.

Bothell fire crews were dispatched to Fred Meyer on Aug. 4 after patrons reported seeing flames and smoke in the building, according to the Bothell Fire Department.

Erin Gowenlock, a spokesperson for the City of Bothell, told KIRO Newsradio the fire originated inside the store near the garden center.

The store’s fire alarm and sprinkler systems activated, and employees and customers safely evacuated. No injuries were reported.

Firefighters extinguished the fire and are currently ventilating the building to remove all smoke.

“There was smoke throughout the building, and water was concentrated in and around the affected area,” Gowenlock stated.

The store was closed for an extended period of time.

Contributing: Frank Sumrall, MyNorthwest

MyNorthwest News

Seattle police (3)...

Ania Keenan, KIRO 7 News

Man critically injured in South Jackson Street stabbing over scooter dispute

A man was critically injured early Saturday morning after he was stabbed on South Jackson Street in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District.

16 hours ago

Chase Sapphire Lounge coming to SEA airport under $70M project...

Regan Gallo-Fenz

Chase Sapphire Lounge coming to SEA airport under $70M project

New upgrades at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) are giving Chase Bank cardholders even more reasons to arrive early for their flights.

1 day ago

Spokane County's Wildfire Heroes Recognized on National Stage in NYC....

Regan Gallo-Fenz

Spokane County’s wildfire heroes recognized on national stage in New York City

Firefighters and law enforcement officers from Spokane County were honored in New York City for their response to the Spokane Complex Fires.

2 days ago

Tacoma Narrows Bridge (4)...

Nate Connors

WSDOT completes Tacoma Narrows Bridge repairs one week early

Pierce County commuters were handed some good news when WSDOT announced that it had completed repairs on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.

2 days ago

Stolen SUV suspect pointed gun at officer before jumping into Lake Washington, Seattle police say...

Regan Gallo-Fenz

Stolen SUV suspect reportedly pointed gun at officer before jumping into Lake Washington

A man was arrested after allegedly stealing an SUV, ramming a police vehicle, pointing a gun at an officer, and treading water in Lake Washington.

2 days ago

End of an Era: Former Fox Island Christmas Tree Farm Set for Redevelopment...

Regan Gallo-Fenz

End of an era: Former Fox Island Christmas tree farm set for redevelopment

A former Christmas tree farm in Pierce County will soon become eight custom homes, marking a final goodbye to a beloved family business.

2 days ago

Fred Meyer to close second Tacoma store within a year