If you are a city of Des Moines community resident and feel like you’re missing something –- guess what-- you will be and pronto!
It’s a sad day when the Des Moines community loses it’s one and only downtown grocery store that so many people have come to depend upon.
At the turn of a key, this major longtime business in downtown Des Moines at 220th and Marine View Drive, (QFC) Quality Food Centers, will close their doors here for the last time May 25th.
With the click of a lock those doors will close to thousands of this city’s people. And it won’t take long for most people, who have depended on that food store for decades, to feel the negative impact of this very personal loss to a community that needs them.
Gone will be the days of zipping down to QFC at the north entrance of town and shopping on a whim or sudden need.
Des Moines store manager Tina Stunns said she has no knowledge of any future business tenant for the building.
Present employees will be offered other available company jobs.
Des Moines has lost an anchor business that every city needs, a well-stocked grocery store within a short distance from residential properties.
Businesses as a whole are still challenged due to financial loss of recession income. Big or small, they scramble to maintain profit knowing cost increase can tip profit over.
After May 25th no more store, no easy shopping access, excellent services or store visits with friends. Reluctantly, we bid farewell to the fine employees of DMQFC. You will be kindly remembered.
Yes, we can shop elsewhere – but how far away? Will we find friendly staff? The Des Moines store location has been so right and the quality of QFC maintained.
We’ll miss roasted chicken, deli salads, bakery goodies, fresh produce, cold beverages, hot soup, cup of coffee at the dandy deli, and my favorite (throw calories to the wind item) maple bars.
For now, its mind boggling to be told all the good will QFC Corporation has done helping others. They donated $3 million to the Salvation Army, hired 17,000 veterans since 2009, donated $3 million to local food banks, donated to “Meals on Wheels” weekly, and accommodated holiday bell ringers raising funds for the needy.
Annually, the QFC representative said, they donated equivalent of 3 million meals a week. They also provide storefront space at the entry for Boys and Girls Scouts fund-raising organizations.
Who knew! QFC, can we convince you to stay?
City officials do not deal with private businesses actions, I’m told. Still, we wonder, can’t elected community leaders lend a hand of help to support getting another grocery store and keeping our businesses drawing in more growth – rather than losing them?
What does it cost to keep a business profitable? The same thing that it takes to keep jobs paying--keep the company making a profit that justifies the investments of everyday operation costs.
Businesses pay city taxes so lack of business income could lead to loss of city income.
Why QFC is leaving Des Moines is largely unknown although it’s interesting to note QFC Auburn and Covington stores have either closed or are in process. To close a business is based on MONEY – lack of profit.
And it’s a sad state of affairs when residents can’t buy groceries in the heart of their own city. We live in a world ruled more by money than humanity.
So the questions are what will replace QFC? How many miles do we need to drive to do our grocery shopping? How many people don’t have transportation to a store? How many groceries can you carry home on the bus? How do we get groceries from the bus stop to home?
Choices are QFC at Normandy Park (for how long we now wonder) Safeway at both 216th and 272nd Pacific Highway or nearby Fred Meyers.
Making that trip can be difficult or impossible for disabled and elderly as well as young families with small children and no car. It’s unbelievable to picture no large grocery store in downtown Des Moines.
History recognizes one remarkable Des Moines gentleman who brought grocery stores to this small town and even today results of his dedication live on.
John A. Somers, (now deceased) husband to the lovely lady, Norma Somers, started Johnny’s Food Center chain by building his first store at Des Moines in 1945, and he did it with his own hands. Although John Somers passed away June 30th, 1988 at age 70, Norma skillfully managed their local properties to best benefit today’s citizens. Red Robin Restaurant is one of them.
There is much to be done to preserve and promote this beautiful city. Meantime, let’s look for the best grocery store available and transplant it here. We can do that – together!
Thank you QFC staff – it’s been lovely living with you!
(Editor’s Note: Click on ‘News’ for story)
