Followup: Q/A on PCC Natural Markets’ West Seattle remodeling

After PCC Natural Markets (WSB sponsor) announced yesterday that a remodeling project is about to begin at their West Seattle store – just as the newly set August 21st closing date looms for nearby Admiral Safeway – WSB commenters asked questions. Tom Monahan at PCC procured the answers – read on:

Tom says the info’s from PCC’s director of store development, Lori Ross. Here’s the Q/A:

Sue asked about the construction logistics. Answer: “Most of the remodel work will be done at night, after store hours, to minimize the impact for shoppers and staff. We will stay open during the project. Though some items or cases may move to temporary locations while the build out occurs, we’ll make sure that we keep those products available. We’re working with Woodman Construction. Not only have they done our last 3 major store projects, they’ve also been involved with hundreds of store remodels. They’re experts at ensuring that the project steps are as efficient as possible and that full store operations are maintained at each of those steps.”

RW wondered if classes would be canceled or moved. Answer: “Regarding the classroom schedule, we’re planning to build out the new classroom before the existing space is dismantled. We don’t expect to cancel any classes. And the classes in September will be held in the new, beautiful classroom in the SE corner of the store!”

We asked when the work would begin. Answer: “The work has already begun, with set-up and back-of-house tasks, but we’ll be more formally underway next week.”

We also had asked if renderings are available showing what the interior/exterior of the store is supposed to look like when the store’s done; Tom says they’re just rough sketches at this point, so there’s nothing to share yet. Meantime, if you missed yesterday’s announcement, here’s the full PCC news release.

10 Replies to "Followup: Q/A on PCC Natural Markets' West Seattle remodeling"

  • Suits are not boring August 4, 2010 (1:28 pm)

    I am looking forward to the remodel, but will the night work be loud enough to be heard by surrounding residents – especially those who have dealt with the long and annoying building process next door?

  • CB August 4, 2010 (1:48 pm)

    Are they going to remodel their high prices?

  • rw August 4, 2010 (4:56 pm)

    Thank you, WSB, for following up with quick answers to our questions!

  • Glenda August 4, 2010 (7:06 pm)

    CB –

    At the end of the movie Food Inc. there is a website where you can punch in your zip code and get a list of basically, “non-evil” grocery stores in your area. I punched in my zip and the only one that made that grade was PCC.

    We are so used to low priced food in this country, but in PCCs case, you are paying the honest cost of organic, natural foods. You don’t have to shop there, but that’s why it is so pricey.

  • Lorelee August 4, 2010 (7:15 pm)

    Exactly Glenda. PCC is the best! So happy they are upgrading the WS store for us!

  • CB August 4, 2010 (8:23 pm)

    Trust me, you are paying a stiff premium at PCC. There are plenty of places to get wholesome food without the massive mark-up.

  • Kate K August 4, 2010 (10:16 pm)

    I like shopping at PCC where none of the products have GMOs or HFCS. Good, fresh food may cost a little more, but it’s worth it. And they produce from many local farmers which is great.

  • newcomer August 5, 2010 (10:38 am)

    CB: please tell me what those places are. I’m moving to the area and would like to know. Thanks.

  • Emma Peel August 5, 2010 (1:42 pm)

    PCC is a heck of a lot cheaper than the Morgan Thriftway and has a MUCH better selection of organic produce, meats and other goods.

  • lina rose August 5, 2010 (9:08 pm)

    You are comparing apples to oranges if you feel like prices at pcc are more than other markets. Sure, you can get cheaper items at other markets… pcc does not sell these items. I have walked in many times with a receipt from QFC and safeway and compared apples to apples (literally) exact items pcc is actually cheaper. I found that organic produce and higher quality ingredient items are actually more expensive at QFC, and yes, the Morgan Thriftway is really expensive compared to other like markets (QFC) where at least you have a discount card you can use.
    I shop pcc now about 95% of the time, the things that I like to buy are just plain cheaper there rather than cherry pick through a larger market for the few higher quality items I want.

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