For as long as I can remember, Aldrich’s has been a community gathering place as well as a grocery. That is why it comes as a shock that it is closing without the chance for the community to work together with the store to find solutions to remain open. Could we have helped more, if given the chance, not just with dollars but also with ideas/attention/love? It comes as a surprise and a shame that the landlords were not forgiving in their rents during this critical time (so I heard). It comes as an unfortunate fact that the store was not able to hold on a while longer until the Farmer’s Market opened on April 25, and foot traffic increased uptown. I’m left with questions.
Nevertheless, I’m holding onto a glimmer of hope that Aldrich’s will rise again from the ashes as it has done so bravely before, and provide that important place for all members of the community to feel welcome, to find some connection, cheer, food, a quiet place, a happy place to be.
Aleta Greenway
Port Townsend
