QFC BUYS SEATTLE-AREA STORE

LISA A. TIBBITTS

BELLEVUE, Wash. -- Quality Food Centers here has acquired a store in the Rainier Valley area of Seattle, the chain's first venture into this area.

The move was announced just a week after QFC disclosed its intention to merge with Olson's Food Stores, a 12-store chain in Lynnwood, Wash., thereby boosting itself to second place in the market with an estimated 18.5% share.

QFC plans to demolish the 15,000-square-foot Rainier Valley store and replace it with a new 26,000-square-foot unit by this summer. Marc Evanger, QFC vice president and chief financial officer, said the new store's merchandising and departments will be consistent with other QFC stores.

QFC acquired the store from the Roth family, which also operates another store in the area.

Evanger said the company may seek other sites in the Rainier Valley area, but he would not elaborate on any plans.