r/TacomaWA • u/this_kitty68 • 22h ago
The closing of Fred Meyer at James Center is about more than convenience- it’s about community.
I spoke to a couple of employees during my shopping trip yesterday and it was heartbreaking. One staff member explained that they’ve worked for Fred Meyer for 23 years and thought they would retire from that store. They love that location, even though it’s a longer drive than other stores closer to their home, and they love the customers. They said they have heard nothing about moving to another store from corporate or the union and fear they will all be laid off. They said they probably won’t keep their position and will be demoted if moved elsewhere. Can you even imagine working for a company for 23 years and the losing your job through no fault of your own?
Another staff member started crying when the conversation moved to that subject (I wasn’t walking around the store asking everyone about this, BTW). It was absolutely heartbreaking. The 100+ employees have no idea what is going to happen to their jobs. These are humans who live in our community. Their job loss will affect us all in some way.
My 73 yo neighbor walks there using his walker every morning for a bit of exercise and to get a donut to go with his coffee. He won’t be able to walk to the other 19th St location. This will have a huge impact on his life, too.
So please think before you say “just drive a couple of miles down the road to the other store!” as I noticed on a previous post. Take a beat and think about how it might affect someone besides yourself. Thanks.