As we mentioned earlier this month, Met Market formally announced today (just one day after closing its Upper Queen Anne store)?that it will acquire Magnolia Thriftway,? the privately-owned market on 34th Ave. W.? Longtime owners Jim and Lynne Penhollow ?decided to sell as they begin preparation for retirement,? explains a press release.? This brings Met Market?s store count back to six.
?We want to be part of the close-knit community and continue the investment that the Penhollow family and store team has made, including the way in which they have taken care of customers,? said Metropolitan Market CEO Terry Halverson. ?We look forward to taking part in the neighborhood?s rich history.?
The deal is expected to close in September ? financial details were not disclosed ? and Met Market says it plans a full-scale? remodel next year.
?For 34 years, the Penhollow family has had the pleasure of serving the community of Magnolia,? explained Jim and Lynne Penhollow. ?Our involvement with church, schools and our many friends here has made it feel like living in a small town. So it is bittersweet as we leave Magnolia Thriftway in the capable hands of Metropolitan Market, who will provide the community with the service and quality it so richly deserves.?e
From one overpriced grocery store to another.? Plus ca change, plus c’est la meme chose.? Not everyone in Magnolia is part of “the neighborhood’s *rich* history.”
what’s the difference? ?they’re both overpriced boutique grocers.
I appreciate the Penhollow family leaving their business in capable hands. ?I’m thrilled!?
I think this is a great upgrade and since it is as pricey as Thriftway, it’ll be no different, just better. Those that dislike the snobby grocery stores can hit up Albertsons.? There is a place for everyone.
Between “snobby grocery stores” and a real low end store like Albertson’s there are many many choices.? Central in Shoreline is way less expensive than Metropolitan Market and far higher in selection and quality whether you like prepared things or get your food fresh and natural.? If you don’t like the drive try T&C in Ballard.? Who exactly is it that enjoys “snobby grocery stores” except people who think that paying more enhances their image or something?? Metropolitan Market may be a wonderful choice as an upgrade for you, but don’t assume that people who can’t stand the place deserve a pit like Albertson’s.
This news greatly disappoints me… I love the Thriftway, even though it’s BARELY within my budget. There’s no way I can afford the Metro Market for my regular shopping, and seeing that I live across the street, I really don’t relish the idea of driving around to pick up my groceries (and Albertson’s? yuck).
Not to mention the idea of a bigger, busier, BRIGHTER business across the street? Great – that will kill the neighborhood. I love that Thriftway is so small and quiet without the glare of overly bright parking lot lights blazing into my living windows at night… This will push people right out if they’re not careful…
I respectfully offer one solution.? For years the irritating baseball /football lights from the park shone right into our bedroom window.?? Nevermind that half the population of Magnolia has to put up with those lights all summer whether they like it or not.? ?Talk about lack of ambiance!? One purchase…a single full size tree from Big Trees in Shohomish, completely blotted out the lights for us.? It worked so well ?I went on to landscaping so I actually am not affected by anything anyone else does.? If you hate bright lights shining in your rooms, one full size tree lets them live their life and preserves yours and costs far less than some miniature tree from a local nursery.
You’ll see.? We’ll all be fine.? If you don’t like what Magnolia has to offer, shop before you come home.? (Actually, stop?JUST BEFORE ?you get stuck in traffic and then head straight home!? You’ll feel much better.)? There are lots of choices just outside the neighborhood.??? We are lucky to have such a choice!