PCC delays opening of downtown Seattle store to 2022
Jun 10, 2021, 11:19 AM | Updated: 11:26 am
In this March 2020 file photo, a customer packs her groceries in her own reusable bags as she buys at a local supermarket. (Photo by Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/Getty Images)
(Photo by Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/Getty Images)
The opening of a much-anticipated natural grocery store in the heart of downtown Seattle has been delayed.
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The new PCC Community Markets location at 4th Avenue and Union Street won’t open until sometime next year, instead of this summer as promised, according to the Seattle Times.
Part of the reason for the delay is that there are not enough workers to staff the store.
A statement from company CEO Suzy Monford on PCC’s website says they have to focus first on addressing existing food insecurity before staffing a brand new store.
“PCC is committed to helping build back a vibrant and health Downtown,” Monford said. “When Downtown PCC opens in 2022, it will bring the neighborhood local, organic and sustainably sourced food. But we know that it is critical to address the growing food insecurity in our community now, and we are excited to offer our new food access grant program to support our Downtown neighbors.”
That grant program will offer five grants totaling $25,000 to nonprofits focused on food access. The co-op will begin accepting applications on June 22, 2021, and the grants will be awarded this summer.
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Another reason why PCC is not opening up just yet, according to a company spokesperson, is because many downtown Seattle office workers are still working from home. The store’s success hinges on office workers buying meals at the deli counter.
PCC is one of Seattle’s original grocers and the largest community-owned food market in the United States.
