The sad, strange death of Fred Meyer: My hometown supermarket's downward spiral

A personal account describes the decline of a Fred Meyer supermarket in Portland after the author returned to the city in 2019. The store, once remembered for its clean, well-staffed feel and friendly interactions, gradually changed as COVID arrived. The pandemic’s early disruptions led to shortages and staff changes, including bonuses to attract new employees and the presence of retirees and people described as precariously housed. As the crisis dragged on, shorter store hours, reduced staffing, and emptier shelves became more common, alongside heightened tension during mask disputes and the George Floyd protests in 2020. The piece traces how the store’s “vibe” deteriorated over time.