FEDERAL WAY, Wash. — Grocery giant Walmart is preparing to shut down its 314th Street location in Federal Way, citing a need to evolve with customer shopping preferences.
The closure comes amid a broader shift in the city’s grocery landscape. In just the last six months, Federal Way has seen the departure of four major chain grocery stores — Grocery Outlet, Safeway, Amazon Fresh, and , Walmart’s general store.
But while big-name retailers check out of the area, a wave of small and specialty grocery stores have been moving in.
One of them, Island Pacific Seafood Market, opened just last Friday and has already seen a strong turnout. A customer who drove in from Olympia said one reason for the trip was the longing for a taste of home.
“One thing I miss about home is the food,” Sandra Fitiausi said, adding that she often seeks out smaller specialty vendors like this one because “it’s worth it.”
Census data shows Federal Way’s population has grown more diverse in recent years, and that shift is being reflected in its evolving grocery scene.
At Wooltari, a Korean market that opened a few years ago, about 90% of the products are imported from Korea. “Those that miss home and food from home, they like to come by,” said John Lim, a sales associate.
He said even non-Korean customers are engaging with the store, often drawn in by viral food trends. “They say, ‘Oh, I saw this on YouTube. I saw this on Instagram. Do you guys have this product?’” Lim added.
Another example is Pacific Halal Market, a market and butcher shop that opened in 2023. “It’s growing. We see new customers,” said Sharif Mohamed, one of the store’s owners.
Mohamed added, “We’re trying our best to bring all types of products from all different countries.”
Still, for many residents, Walmart’s closure will be difficult.
“Seeing, you know, Walmart and these other places closing down, it’s kind of really sad to see,” Mohamed shared.
But for others, the growing number of small, culturally focused stores is a welcome change.
“Everybody else is all friendly, you know? It’s like being at home,” said Fitiausi, the small market enthusiast. “You want to get that ohana everywhere you go, so you try.”
트위터 공유: 월마트 폐쇄 지역 소규모 마트 도약