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Kent mayor calls Fred Meyer closure a blow to East Hill, links decision to crime and broader market forces
Summary
Mayor Ralph addressed the city Wednesday after Kroger announced the East Hill Fred Meyer would close in October, saying the company cited operational reasons and crime. Public commenters and council members called for inward-looking policy review and more local economic development.
Mayor Ralph on Tuesday addressed the Kent City Council after Kroger announced the East Hill Fred Meyer store will close in October, calling the news “surprising, disappointed” and saying the company cited operational reasons and crime in its decision. "This is a business decision being made in the interest of profitability and shareholders," Ralph said, adding she was "angry and frustrated and sad." The mayor said the company cited closures in Tacoma, Everett, Redmond and Mill Creek and that Kroger’s interim CEO framed the change as a business restructuring to improve long‑term shareholder value.
The mayor and several council members described the closure as more than…
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