So long Crystal

Crystal meats in the market is closing down at the end of the month. They just can't make a profit anymore, what with people shopping at big chains, especially WalMart and such (who can charge so little by treating their employees like slaves). So sad... (and yet another reason to despise that horrible company. I'll become a vegetarian before I'll ever set foot in that place.)

I've been shopping the market weekly (Saturday mornings like lala) for about 21 years. Though I'm more a Don & Joe's regular, I do lament the passing of another long-time market business.

The major problem with the market is the PDA, which seems determined to make the market a tourist theme park and is doing little to make it attractive to Seattle residents.

It's getting hard to find a farmer in the market, other than flowers. Most farmers are in the local farmers markets. Even Mike Verdi, whose family had set up on Saturdays for about 50 years (remember his mother, Pasqualina?)now can be found at the U District farmers market during the season.

As much as I enjoy the U District and other local farmers markets, I'd rather see them at Pike Place and let the crafts people move to the Ave. There still is a Farmers Market sign on Pike Place, but I fear it really belongs at MOHAI along with the Rainier Beer "R" and other relics of bygone Seattle.

Yeah, while I do frequent the Market regularly, the only time it's really worth it, from a grocery point of view is Organic Sundays, in the summer, when there's an actual effort to bring in food growers and producers. But beware the Cruise Ship crowds! Be in and out by 10:00 or be trampled! And of course, they don't buy produce/meats, etc, AND they make it so crowded that locals don't want to go.

*sigh* 'Theme Park' is right...

Yes, I remember Pasquelina. Though I'm not sure if she was there 45 years ago, when my market trips with my mom started (when I was 7) she made me feel like a member of her very family over the years. I have appreciated the good work and produce of Mike Verdi, but the connection escaped me until I read your post, as he appeared to me as a "high-staller," where his mother was among the low stallers, which I have favored. I'm thrilled to learn that Mike is her son and thank you very much for this bit of local lore.
eric

NNNNOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!

Damn. I never buy my meat anywhere else.

I was talking to the guys at Crystal before Christmas, and they gave the same story that all of the Pike Place Market vendors give, so it's not surprising.

NO, this is not about Global issues, or Big Box store issues, so don't delete this, Chowhound Team. It's about a local issue that is having a profound affect on the many local merchants in our beloved Market. If you're in the Market, talk to any vendor, and you'll get the idea.

[The Chowhound Team]

Sorry folks, but we've had to remove some replies from this thread. Chowhound isn't the place to debate Big Picture Issues, including the global economy and the great struggle of independent businesses against mega-retailers. These are all important issues, we're just not the place to discuss them.

The only reason that the small merchants are closing down is that there isn't enough customer loyalty, lack of parking and convienience.

I won't shop at just anyplace when I wish to prepare something special, but it's not very convienient for me to shop in Pikes Market except as a special trip. I do the majority of my shopping in the ID or North Seattle area.

Considering the population growth in the areas close to Pikes Market during the last 15 years it would appear that business should have increased or been sustained for market merchants during this period. Especially since the type of population increase isn't the high volume large family Walmart, Sams Club or Costco customer base. Anyone who would prefer Whole Foods as being better then the Pikes Market isn't quality or price aware since it more reasonable with better service and quality to shop at Pikes Market.

I've been told the the rents have been esculating to where merchants aren't able to sell their business and reluctantly close due to age or whatever reason.

But all I can say that if you want them to stay in business plase patronize the places you want to stay in business unstead of thinking about shopping there next time.

Irwin

Irwin, did you know that there's free parking for an hour in the Market garage, with an elevator that whisks you right up into the Market? Soooo easy!

Lala:
Also most times that I visit the market the parking is "SO FULL". Even then it's difficult for me to get around with my packages to or from my car.

But even then this is something that wouldn't be applicable to any of the many new residents in proximity to the market with free public transportation or easy walking distance if the actually choose to shop at the Market requarly.

Irwin

Yep, I agree. I live in lower Q.A., which I think is where most of Belltown shops. You know, driving 6 blocks in the big SUV to go to Safeway.

*sigh* these modern kids. What can you do?

lala
(to be found at the Market most Saturday mornings)

So very sad to see such a revered local institution (my mom and I went there in 1958, when I was 6. I do not remember if this was the reason for the trips, but I do remember they sold horse meat). It's the global race-for-the bottom for sure. Wal-Mart, Haliburton et al are proud of this "efficiency", but I will miss Crystal Meats a lot. Thank you for bringing this very sad news to the board.
eric

That's a damn shame. I love Crystal. And that's the second small butcher down in as many months. How about blaming Costco as well?

What a shame! I loved that place. They were one of the few butchers that seem to know how to properly trim a rack of lamb. I'll really miss them. Boo hoo.