A FRESH SLANT

Mina Williams

SHORELINE, Wash. (FNS) -- Shoreline Central Market here has carved out a niche that gives it an edge over the local competition -- it places a keen emphasis on the freshness and variety of its perishables departments.

Located north of Seattle, the 56,000-square-foot store is part of Town & Country Markets, which is based in Bainbridge Island. Central Market's theme is "Celebrating Freshness," and more than 21,000 square feet of the sales area are dedicated to fresh sections. According to customers who shop the store, this marketing strategy works.

SN recently asked shoppers why they select Shoreline Central Market over the neighboring chains, which include Safeway, Albertsons, Fred Meyer and QFC. Shoppers also were queried on what, if anything, they would change about the store. Here is what they had to say.

Catrin Pattack, 39 North Seattle, Wash.

University Instructor

The produce is what brings me to this store. I like to buy organic and they have a great selection, plus it is significantly cheaper and is of better quality than at the chain stores. They have an Asian market inside the store with all the ingredients you could need. I like the open airiness of the store's design and the ability to get everything I need in one shopping trip. Another reason I shop here is the fact that the employees are "kid" friendly. They have this great red tractor at the entrance of the store that children can climb on. Happy children make for a happy shopping trip.

Carolyn Cox, 39

Seattle

Homemaker

I just shop at independent stores. Here there is a good variety of organic produce and other organic products. The fish and produce are excellent. I would like it better if the aisles were easier to go up and down. Sometimes I get stuck in the back of the store.

Nobuko Mitsunaga, 45

Woodinville, Wash.

Certified Public Accountant

I shop here because there is more of a selection of items than at the chain stores. The vegetables are better, and they have a great selection of bread. This store has everything. Another thing is that the prices are reasonable. The way they display items is very nice. The only thing I don't like is that there is not a Central Market closer to my home.

Charles Kauffman, 40

Seattle

Boeing employee

I like the atmosphere. The people who work here make a big difference in making a dull task pleasant. I would say, though, that the aisles are too tight.

Jerri and Brian Carter, 78, 80

Seattle

Retired

We come here because they have good bargains on vegetables and it's fun to shop here. Steve in the wine shop is a friend, and it's great to see what he has on special. We like the way things are displayed. We pass up a lot of other stores to get here. We have noticed that this store doesn't advertise. We have to come to find the bargains. But where else can you get bananas for 37 cents a pound?

Diane Faigel, 38

Edmonds, Wash.

Document Manager at Microsoft

There is just a broader selection of foods here. There are organics, fish, Asian foods and many different options within each group. Safeway's selection of foods is a disaster, and QFC is now more equivalent to Fred Meyer since QFC was bought by Kroger. I live next door to a QFC, and I'll only go there for emergencies. The only thing I would change about Central Market is the price of their sun-dried tomatoes. Trader Joe's has cheaper ones.

Stacy Carlson, 41

Seattle

Homemaker

I like to shop at independent stores. I don't like those [frequent shopper] cards. That's why I left shopping at QFC. The checkers here are friendly and helpful. The store has everything I want. The grocery section gets a little crowded though.