A couple of years ago I noted that Albertsons acquired Safeway. And here in Lynnwood we have an intersection with one of each kitty-corner to the other. I had a hunch that one of them was doomed, most likely Safeway. To me, the store always seemed to be struggling, always rather empty.
Then I noticed “guys with signs” (a modern incarnation of the town crier?) recently. They were sharing the news the they were liquidating the whole store. So, I guess my projection was accurate. If you’re a Safeway fan, there’s the store in Edmonds off of 99 and 236th (pretty sure it’s 236th). And the one off of 148th. I don’t know about the Edmonds store, but the north Lynnwood one is a busy and vibrant place. With its relatively recent remodel, it’s a rather pleasant place to shop. Good since it helped keep it competitive when Fred Meyers opened their Alderwood Store.
I find the Lynnwood Safeway’s migration to be interesting. My first memory of the store, it was located a block east where Big Lots is now. In the 80s (I’m pretty sure) it moved to its current location. What’s interesting to me is that Office Depot went into the old Safeway building. Then a decade or so later, it moved west into the retail space right next to Safeway. So I expect Big Lots will move to the space vacated by Safeway. Well, not really, but it’s a fun conjecture.
Driving up 196th is always telling for me. I remember many old businesses. Like where Shakeys Pizza used to be. Or Pizza Hut. Then I look and try to remember what was “in that spot”. Then there’s the sadness of the now long vacant Alfy’s. A place with many memories for me, and a study in bad management. But that’s a post for another day.
Realizing I have decades of this region’s history tucked into my brain is both rather cool, and a bit alarming. I don’t feel that terribly old! But I can talk about how this city was thirty/forty years ago. I guess it’s clear this place is home for me. No complaints. Nope, not one.
