Fred Meyer

This introduction provides an overview of the Fred Meyer store located at 1111 NE 102nd Ave, Portland, OR 97220, USA, based on the available customer reviews. You can contact this store at (503) 255-5665 or +1 503-255-5665. It's important to note that the following description is derived solely from the provided customer feedback, which presents a somewhat critical perspective.

One customer described this particular Fred Meyer location as "unsettling," citing several reasons for this sentiment. They noted that every section of the store is concealed behind glass walls and that all exits are guarded. Additionally, this reviewer mentioned the presence of many "shady individuals" within the store, leading them to perceive the area as feeling insecure, especially for visitors.

Another, more extensive review comes from an individual identifying themselves as part of previous management at this location. This perspective offers insights into the store's financial performance and operational dynamics. According to this former manager, the store generates significant daily sales, ranging from approximately $165,000 on a slower day to over $217,000 on a typical day, with even higher figures during peak shopping periods like Easter and Christmas, potentially reaching $250,000 to over $300,000.

The former manager also commented on the markup of various items, suggesting that household goods, clothing, some lower-end electronics, and hardware are often marked up significantly (4 to 9 times the wholesale cost), whereas food items typically have a lower markup (2 to 4 times wholesale). They suggest that customers might find more affordable prices at competitors like Grocery Outlet, Trader Joe's, or WinCo, especially noting that WinCo's sales across the street reportedly doubled after a workers' strike in the summer of 2024, leading to a remodeling project at that WinCo location.

Regarding staffing, the former manager claimed that the Gateway Fred Meyer location frequently experiences turnover in store leadership, with a new Store Director, Store Assistant, and Human Resources representative being replaced every 5 to 8 months. This high turnover is attributed to the challenges of managing issues such as not properly handling legal situations and the difficulties faced by managers coming from more suburban stores or corporate who may lack the experience to handle a location described as having high theft and being "Fentanyl overwhelmed."

This reviewer encourages customers with complaints about in-store experiences, curbside pickup, closed restrooms or customer service counters to ask for the Store Director's or Assistant Director's name and to contact Kroger's customer service at 1-800-576-4377. They assert that Kroger takes such complaints seriously and may take action, such as moving or demoting management if issues are not resolved promptly. The reviewer also mentioned recent layoffs or firings of local associates due to DEI policy changes, which they view negatively in the context of an already understaffed store.

The overall sentiment of the former manager's review is that this Fred Meyer location prioritizes profit over the well-being of associates and providing a safe and affordable shopping environment for the community. They advise shoppers to consider these factors when deciding where to spend their money and reiterate the importance of contacting Kroger's customer service for unresolved issues.

Now, considering the platform category "Candles Near Me," Fred Meyer, as a large general merchandise retailer, would typically carry a selection of candles. You would likely find various types of candles, including scented candles, unscented candles, pillar candles, jar candles, and possibly seasonal or decorative candles within their home goods or general merchandise sections. Given the size of a typical Fred Meyer store, the selection of "Candles Near Me" at this location is likely to be reasonably broad, catering to different preferences and needs.

However, it's important to reconcile this expectation with the specific reviews provided for this particular location. While Fred Meyer generally sells candles, the reviews here focus on security concerns, staffing issues, and pricing perceptions rather than the availability or quality of specific product categories like candles. Therefore, while you can likely find candles at this Fred Meyer, the dominant feedback pertains to the overall shopping environment and operational aspects.

In summary, the Fred Meyer at 1111 NE 102nd Ave in Portland is described by one reviewer as unsettling due to security measures and the presence of "shady individuals." A former manager's review highlights high sales volumes, significant markups on certain non-food items, potential affordability advantages at competitor stores, frequent leadership turnover, and concerns about the prioritization of profit over customer and employee well-being. Despite these concerns, as a standard Fred Meyer store, it is expected to carry a variety of products, including "Candles Near Me," typically found in their home goods section. Potential shoppers should be aware of the issues raised in the provided reviews regarding the store's environment and operational practices.