Honestly, it’s still kinda hard to believe. If you grew up in the South End, the Fred Meyer Pacific Avenue Tacoma WA location wasn't just a place to buy eggs or a new pair of jeans. It was an anchor. For over fifty years, that massive building at 72nd and Pacific was where you’d see your neighbors, get your flu shot, and maybe browse the garden center just to smell the mulch in the spring.
Then came September 2025.
The red sign came down. The doors locked for good. It wasn't just a business closing; it was the loss of the primary "one-stop shop" for thousands of people in a neighborhood that the USDA already considers a food desert. Today, the 11-acre site sits empty, leaving a massive hole in the local economy and a lot of frustrated residents wondering where they’re supposed to go now.
The Real Reason Behind the Closure
When the news first broke in July 2025 that Kroger (the parent company) was pulling the plug, the rumor mill went into overdrive. Most people immediately pointed to "retail theft." It’s the easy answer. You’ve probably seen the videos or heard the stories—visible security at the doors, one-way entry points, and the unfortunate reality of the parking lot.
But it’s rarely that simple.
Kroger’s official statement mentioned "running more efficiently" and "long-term health of our business." Basically, they weren't making enough money there. According to former employees and retail analysts, the issue wasn't just shoplifting; it was the "mix" of what people were buying. People were coming in for the low-margin "loss leaders"—things like milk, bread, and eggs—but they weren't buying the high-profit items like jewelry, electronics, or home decor. When a store that big only sells the basics, the math just stops working.
What’s Actually Happening at 7250 Pacific Ave Now?
If you drive by today, you’ll see a massive 149,886-square-foot building looking for a new life. It’s currently listed for sublease or redevelopment. Here is the reality of the site as it stands in early 2026:
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- The Building: It’s huge. We’re talking nearly 150,000 square feet with a 9,900-square-foot garden center and 871 parking stalls.
- The Zoning: It’s zoned CCX (Community Commercial Mixed-Use). This is actually pretty cool because it means it doesn't have to be another big-box store. It could eventually be turned into a mix of retail and housing.
- The Fuel Center: The Fred Meyer gas station was a separate piece of the puzzle, and while the main store is gone, the neighborhood is still reeling from the loss of the overall convenience.
Local leaders, including the South End Neighborhood Community Council (SENCO), have been fighting to ensure the site doesn't just rot. They even applied for a $250,000 grant from Kroger to help with "interim food support" for the neighborhood. It’s a tough spot to be in.
Living in a Food Desert: Where Do You Shop Now?
For the 200+ workers who used to be there, most were offered transfers to other spots like the Tacoma-Stevens Fred Meyer (4505 S 19th St). But for the customers? It’s a trek.
If you used to walk to the Pacific Avenue location, your options have thinned out. Most people are now filtering toward:
- Safeway on 56th and Pacific (about 1.2 miles away).
- WinCo Foods on 72nd (great for prices, but a different vibe entirely).
- Grocery Outlet (the "Gross-Out" is fun for treasure hunting, but can be hit-or-miss for specific grocery lists).
- Saars Super Saver Foods, which is smaller but has a great selection of ethnic foods.
It's a burden. Especially for seniors or families without reliable cars who relied on the pharmacy and the grocery store being under one roof.
The Impact on the Community
You can’t talk about the Fred Meyer Pacific Avenue Tacoma WA closure without talking about the people. Over 2,400 people signed an online petition to save the store. There was an informal town hall. People showed up.
The South End has always felt a bit overlooked compared to the North End or even the Proctor District. Losing a major retailer like Fred Meyer feels like a blow to the neighborhood's dignity. When a store that has been there since the 1970s leaves, it changes the "gravity" of the street.
Misconceptions vs. Reality
Some people say the store was "too ghetto" to survive. Honestly? That’s a lazy take. While there were safety concerns—and yes, the parking lot could be chaotic—this store served a massive, diverse population with an average household income of nearly $79,000. The demand for a grocery store is there. The "failure" of the store was likely a combination of corporate strategy, a sale-leaseback agreement in 2021 that changed the rent structure, and shifting shopping habits.
Actionable Steps for South End Residents
If you’re still feeling the sting of the closure, here is what you can actually do:
- Support Local Alternatives: Places like Saars or the smaller markets along Pacific Avenue need your business more than ever.
- Stay Involved with SENCO: The South End Neighborhood Community Council is the primary group talking to the city about what happens to that 11-acre lot. If you want a voice in whether it becomes a new grocer or apartments, that’s where to start.
- Check Pharmacy Transfers: If you haven't moved your prescriptions yet, the 19th Street Fred Meyer or the nearby Walgreens at 8405 Pacific Ave are the standard defaults, but you’ll need to call to confirm your insurance still plays nice with those locations.
The era of one-stop shopping at 72nd and Pacific is over for now, but the conversation about what that corner becomes is just getting started. It’s a prime piece of real estate in a city that’s growing fast. We’ll just have to wait and see if the next tenant actually serves the people who live there or just the bottom line.