BIZNOTE: Alki Beach Market on the way – but first, questions for you

You might have seen this post in the WSB Community Forums, announcing a plan for a new “neighborhood market/convenience store” on Alki, and linking to this survey with questions including what potential customers would want the market to carry. We followed up to see what the prospective owners are planning and where. They tell us they’re finalizing a lease for 2718 Alki Avenue SW – that’s the spot where Alki Cleaners closed three years ago. We had reported that the building, also formerly home to Phoenecia, was up for sale in February 2020, listed for $1.2 million; records show it sold the following month for $1.4 million. Alki Beach Market’s prospective proprietors hope to open in November. It’s been almost four years since Alki’s last neighborhood store, Alki Urban Market, closed at 2820 Alki SW.

DJ August 16, 2021 (1:48 pm)

Bodega items! Firewood, beer, things for the beach. Deli sandwiches that are pre-made.

Lea E. Black August 16, 2021 (5:57 pm)

That would be perfect!

Flivver August 16, 2021 (2:02 pm)

WSB. Any word on the 2 apartments above Phoenecia? There are for rent signs but are only visible if you know where to look. Doesn’t look look good marketing to me.

Tina August 16, 2021 (8:20 pm)

https://hotpads.com/2716-alki-ave-sw-seattle-wa-98116-1n4k73m/pad

wscommuter August 16, 2021 (2:23 pm)

One observation about the last market on Alki – their prices were so high that it seemed doomed to fail. With Met Market and Safeway in particular so close, high prices on milk and eggs, etc., does not seem a viable business plan. Margins have to be tough to compete in that industry – the convenience of a close alternative for basic groceries will have to go a long ways to overcome higher prices.

Jay August 16, 2021 (2:47 pm)

This would be great! It was such a shame when Alki Urban Market shut down.

Eric on Alki August 16, 2021 (3:15 pm)

Awesome! Just filled out the quick survey. We wish you all the best, please carry some healthy/vegan snacks if you can, thanks!

Michael August 16, 2021 (4:08 pm)

Why would my gender identity or age be relevant?

⚄ August 16, 2021 (4:28 pm)

Condoms? Feminine hygiene products? Ensure?
GP August 16, 2021 (4:59 pm)

I don’t have anything to do with the survey, but I am guessing it is for them to understand the demographic they are serving. It helps with everything from what products and merchandise to purchase to marketing and more.
Wendell August 16, 2021 (5:03 pm)

It helps to know if they need to stock condoms or Metamucil.
D August 16, 2021 (5:38 pm)

Depends.
- waikikigirl August 16, 2021 (7:09 pm)
  
  LOL!!!

Flivver August 16, 2021 (4:28 pm)

NO BOOZE-PLEASE. We don’t need inebriated people having an easy close source for more booze. Wscommuter. That will be difficult as they won’t be able to buy in enough volume to justify competitive prices. I wish them well but they’ll have a tough time eeking out a profit.

Mel August 17, 2021 (5:38 am)

Yes to this! I like a drink as much as the next person but we don’t need more drunks or alcohol bottles/containers on the beach.
hj August 17, 2021 (12:35 pm)

I voted for booze!

Reality Chick August 16, 2021 (5:35 pm)

Thank you for asking us future Alki Market proprietors and welcome to the neighborhood. Speaking of neighborhoods, Alki is one. It is a place where people live, not just visit or rent VRBO’s/AirBnBs. The businesses that last and thrive here know that, we are your year round customers–so, I am glad you asked how often will you visit. Alki denizens put up with a lot, increasingly so, having a local market would bring back the days of the original market, which was so much more than just a store. We wish you great success and will be regular customers, since we live here.

Kim August 16, 2021 (5:59 pm)

I think of the times when we really need something and how convenient it would be to have a market (again). I’ve used Starbucks when we needed some milk! I am more than willing to pay more to avoid having to go up the hill. However, I think I’d still do my big shopping (olive oil, flours, produce) at PCC (or wherever), especially when it comes to produce and/or specialty foods. Now, if you offered fresh empanadas every day…something else as a lure.

Heidi August 16, 2021 (6:09 pm)

Would be great to have premade bbq items to put on your grill . Dinners to go theme Living near the beach locals need simple basics as they dont like going up the hill for creamer or milk If need be. Will be nice to see a store back on the beach 👙

Alki Jack August 16, 2021 (6:16 pm)

If we knew there would be a parking spot, we would use it often. To drive the opposite way from which we would drive to Safeway etc. Only find out you can’t find a place to park?? We now Uber or walk the mile+ (in decent weather) from our condo to the restaurants, because driving down to that area and then driving around for 20 minutes and still not finding a place to park! That doesn’t work for us. Especially in bad weather.

ITotallyAgreeWithYou August 16, 2021 (6:41 pm)

I lived down there when the original market in the original space, then in the Cactus space, was down there and just down the alley from me. That model is what the neighborhood needs. Yes, the major shopping was done elsewhere, but they were great for the times I was missing an ingredient or needed a few items, a snack, or a meal and didn’t feel like trekking up the hill. Whatever I needed, they always had. They were a lifesaver on countless occasions.

GS August 16, 2021 (8:52 pm)

I totally agree with you!! :)

Kathy August 16, 2021 (7:48 pm)

In the census that just got reported, 98116 was the only West Seattle zipcode with population that grew over 20% (24.5% to be exact) in the last decade. We need more things, like better, more frequent bus service (bring back the 37, extend service for 56/57). And a convenience grocery store!

N August 16, 2021 (7:51 pm)

The model that has the best chance to succeed is more store + cafe like Wildwood Cafe has done over by Lincoln Park. When it’s all dependent on last minute grocery items that is tough, especially in winter.

Mel August 17, 2021 (5:40 am)

Yes! Love wildwood market. I live in seaview and go out of my way to pick up food from them.

Kathy August 16, 2021 (8:03 pm)

Since we lost the Urban Market, when I had a rootbeer float craving I could only get rootbeer at the sadly departed Top Pot Donuts. I have fond memories of the old store where Cactus is and Bonnie the cashier.

Flivver August 16, 2021 (8:41 pm)

Big problem for providing variety is the fact that the space isn’t big enough to be able to provide enough variety to make people think twice about just driving up the hill. Worst thing they could do is make it a glorified 7-11.

Thd3 August 16, 2021 (10:56 pm)

Wahoo! Fresh baguettes, great cheese, salami sausage, avocados, good pasta, fresh marinara sauce, picnic fixings, growler fills, rose on tap, look at Westwood market for ideas – counter w made to order sandwiches, fresh juices – I could really go on and on!

Joe August 17, 2021 (8:47 pm)

Or just have another sip from your growler. I think most of people who move to West Seattle are mentally retirees, be they 30 or 66. They only hit a convenience store every couple of weeks to buy an ice cream bar or creamer as noted–they will rarely if ever buy 28 dollar a pound cheese. No business can survive on those dinky purchases. Lincoln Park has a ferry dock, no? A different proposition.

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