The closest vintage market near you that is in original condition

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klkla
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The closest vintage market near you that is in original condition

Post by klkla »

I was driving through Glendale, CA last week and noticed a Ralphs Fresh Fare. This 36,000 sq. ft. store was built by Crawfords Markets in 1967 and then acquired by Kroger's Market Basket stores in the 1970's. In the early 80's it was one of several stores purchased by Ralphs when Kroger decided to dismantle the division. And of course we all know that Kroger owns Ralphs now.

It still looks almost exactly at it did in 1967 as you can see from Google Maps:
https://www.google.com/maps/@34.1646151 ... 384!8i8192

Hopefully you guys have some interesting vintage markets in your area to share.
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Groceteria
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Re: The closest vintage market near you that is in original condition

Post by Groceteria »

Closest for me would have to be this one, which I just featured on Twitter about a month ago. It was part of a local co-op called Bi-Rite and this is the last one remaining with that branding. Dates from about 1965.

https://twitter.com/groceteriaweb/statu ... 49192?s=21
Super S
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Re: The closest vintage market near you that is in original condition

Post by Super S »

The only one that comes to mind for me is the Safeway in Clatskanie, Oregon which is a largely unchanged on the outside 1960s Marina store but with updated signage and an extremely light Lifestyle remodel. To this day it lacks Bakery, Deli, and Pharmacy departments.

Not grocery, but there were a handful of Rite Aid locations scattered around Portland that were pretty much untouched since Rite Aid took over from PayLess Drug, and a handful of locations in Washington that Rite Aid operated for a long time that still had Pay 'N Save interiors. Rite Aid seems to be working quickly to remodel most of these now.
klkla
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Re: The closest vintage market near you that is in original condition

Post by klkla »

Those are both good examples.

I found another former Crawford's with an exterior that is still intact. This store also became a Market Basket but was sold to Vons when Kroger shut down the division. It's currently an Asian market called 168 Market.

https://www.google.com/maps/@34.0799496 ... 384!8i8192

What would this architectural style be called? It reminds me of New Orleans.
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