Kress IGA

The supermarket has been open for a few weeks now and I'm very pleased with it. The store is very reminiscent of the supermarkets all over Europe. It's on a much smaller scale than what we're used to here but they still manage to pack in all the essentials and top it off with a great beer and wine department. The price premium for location is manageable and the IGA brand is competitive to generic brands in other supermarkets.

One of the highlights of the store is the selection of local products. They have baked goods from Dahlia Bakery and Boulangerie Nantaise, doughnuts from Mighty O, pasta from Sorrentino, and more. Many of these vendors are selling their product outside of their own stores for the first time.

I was concerned at first about lines since a small grocery has to focus on volume of customers rather than volume of product sales but since the first week it hasn't been an issue at all. In fact I'm a little concerned that the store won't be sustainable. The storefront is tiny and easy to miss. I've spoken with people who live or work within a few blocks who had no idea the store was open yet - several weeks after the actual opening. If you haven't been yet please check it out!

Kress IGA Supermarket
1423 Third Avenue
7am-10pm

Kress IGA Supermarket

I'm the kind of person who radiates my emotions and all day I've been brimming with excitement. Tomorrow is the grand opening of the Kress IGA supermarket in downtown Seattle. I understand if my elation seems a little misplaced but I live a very urban lifestyle - i.e. carless - and I don't often remember to hit up the Pike Place Market before it closes. And the new market satisfies all my little romantic notions of what an urban supermarket can be. Every day local vendors from the area will walk over a day's worth of freshly baked goods and flowers. Once I figure out the delivery schedule don't be surprised if I'm first in line for a freshly walked baguette!

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