PCC opens ninth store in Edmonds
by Trudy Bialic, Editor
This article was originally published in September 2008
(September 2008) — One of the most wonderful things about opening a new store is joining a new community and getting to know the people.
We expect our newest store in Edmonds will attract many new members, but thousands of members already live in the north end — many have been driving 15 miles or more for years to shop at PCC.
Opening a new store means more people can get the delicious, local, organic foods they want. It also means more market opportunities for more organic farmers, increasing the demand for organically farmed land.
It means more people are exposed to the cooperative business model, where profits are ploughed back into our collectively owned business instead of being shipped to a faraway city.
For all these reasons, we’re grateful to you, our current members, for the collective strength in our business that makes it all possible.
Opening a store in Edmonds has created more than 100 new jobs for people who want their work to support a more sustainable culture. Some existing staff from other stores are moving to Edmonds — taking opportunities for promotions and professional growth — and new staff are joining us.
So when you see a new face, introduce yourself and welcome them!
As with previous stores, the Edmonds store incorporates “green” building techniques. Bets are that PCC Edmonds will qualify for LEED® platinum certification, making it the first U.S. grocery store to earn this highest distinction.
We’re forging relationships with the Chamber of Commerce, the local Rotary chapter, Sustainable Edmonds, and schools and churches as partners for our scrip and food bank programs.
We’re also a sponsor of the Green Edmonds festival on Saturday, September 13, on the playfield of the Frances Anderson Center. This free, outdoor festival will showcase “green” products, services and ideas to help attendees live a greener, healthier lifestyle. Music will be featured on a solar-powered stage!