Only full-service supermarket in Downtown Seattle closes, citing problems in city

SEATTLE — The only full-service grocery store in Downtown Seattle closed Friday, and the supermarket is blaming the city.

Kress IGA at Third and Pike opened in 2008 and catered to office workers, residents, and tourists in the basement of the old Kress building.

But over the years, it became harder to have a safe and profitable business in the location, the grocer said.

COVID-19 also impacted the business but the grocer said “the economic, social, and political issues associated with doing business in the city of Seattle are ultimately the reasons for closing.”

The more than 30 employees who worked there were offered positions at other locations, unemployment or are looking for new jobs.

Cox Media Group