Jorge Cossio was all smiles on Thursday as dozens of shoppers walked through the front door of Oakland’s newest grocery store, the Grocery Outlet that’s taken over Walgreens former building on E. 18th Street near Lake Merritt.
Cossio, the shop’s owner, said this is his first store, although he has extensive experience in the retail sector. He called the location “perfect” and said he’s excited to serve the area’s diverse customer base.
“This community is deserving of a low-price, high-value market,” he said.
Thursday was the store’s grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony. Cossio said he’s employing 38 staff, and his team intends to pay close attention to brands and trends customers want to see.
In attendance for the opening was District 2 Councilmember Charlene Wang, whose office helped Cossio and Grocery Outlet navigate Oakland’s permits and address safety concerns.
“During this time when the cost of living is rising, this is good for the community,” said Wang.
Councilmember Charlene Wang said she helped the new Grocery Outlet’s operator navigate the city’s permitting system and address safety concerns. Credit: Darwin BondGraham/The Oaklandside
Headquartered in Emeryville, Grocery Outlet has over 500 stores in 16 states, with most in California. The company’s locations are mostly run by independent operators like Cossio. Its business model is based on offering big discounts, including on name-brand products. Stores typically sell everything you’d find in a supermarket, from produce to meat, canned and packaged goods to toiletries and pet food.
One thing Grocery Outlet doesn’t have is pharmacies. In addition to the building the new Grocery Outlet is located in, Walgreens has closed several other pharmacies in Oakland in recent years. This has led to concerns from community members who have to travel farther to get prescriptions filled. Wang said there is a small, locally owned pharmacy nearby in the Metropolitan Bank Building at 250 E. 18th.
Christine Miller, an Eastlake resident of 30 years, was taking in the inventory and chatting with others. “We’re excited for it,” she said about another grocery store.
Also in attendance for the grand opening was District 1 Councilmember Zac Unger. He said his district is expecting a new Grocery Outlet to open next year, also in a former Walgreens, at 5055 Telegraph Ave. in Temescal
Asked what’s on her typical grocery list, Wang said coffee, “especially during election season,” and that she was checking out the different cracker brands and hot sauce selection.
Grocery Outlet is located at 301 E. 18th Street, open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week.
Oakland’s newest grocery store. Credit: Darwin BondGraham/The Oaklandside
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