Welcome to Ralphs

Having lived downtown since 1993, I have never felt a greater sense of community than I did tonight as I shopped along with my neighbors at our new downtown Ralphs Fresh Fare.

“We are committed to be your partner in the renaissance of downtown Los Angeles. Our dedicated and skilled staff will provide you with a convenient and unique shopping experience catering to your needs.”

Loving the Hope Street entrance. Does that parking lot have character or what? The prices feel above above average, but the convenience might make up for it.

It is interesting to see how the market forces (pun intended) work… sure, the prices are a bit high, but let’s take a quick look at why this Fresh Fare is even here in the first place… One of the biggest reasons is the surging economic demographic of downtown. We find ourselves part of one of the highest income areas in all of LA - with a median household income of roughly 100k per year. Break that down a bit - the majority of downtown households are DINK - double income, no kids… or SINK… so that’s actually similar to a more typical family on the westside making 150-175k with a couple kids. Oh yeah, there are plenty of singles here (like me) - and we supposedly spend a lot of dough - according to so-called surveys.

So - with that long-winded info in mind, it is no surprise that Ralphs opened an upscale market here. If it does well, expect to see some competition in a year or so - maybe even a Gelsons or Bristol or WF in the Grand Ave or LA Live project developments.

For me, yes, as Benjamin said, I’ll pay a bit more for the convenience, and especially if the selection and quality are better than the average grocery store. If this store stays clean, well stocked and helpful, it will be very busy and successful. Way to go Ralphs, and way to go, downtown community!

First, don’t get me wrong – this DINK $110k annual household is very happy the closest Ralph’s no longer requires a drive to Silverlake or points west.

But, it’s also no secret this is a Ralph’s trying to be a Gelson’s. The selection of food is excellent but the prices, particularly on non-food, household items, are higher than other Ralph’s. Hopefully this will reconcile to norm once sales volume projections ease corporate opening jitters.

It was quite busy last night at 10:30 when we checked it out after dinner with another couple from Hancock Park who wanted to stop by to see the excitement and grab a few things on their way home. (I also ran into some Downtown workers making purchases before heading home.)

Most of all, it will be interesting to see what SoCal residents say about living Downtown now that their chief question, “Where do you go grocery shopping?” is a non-starter for dismissing Downtown as a place to live.

I think it’s funny that I was used to not having a grocery store, and only shopping for food maybe once every two weeks. And…ha ha…I went to Ralphs three (Count them THREE) times over the weekend.

Alright…I admit it…even if I don’t really need to buy anything…I go anyway…just so I can look at it and take it all in.

I couldn’t resist posting a comment on our new Ralph’s. This non-event in most communities was truly exciting. I agree with Ken…I felt the same sense of community and…Pride. Weird and wonderful at the same time. Winos of the world rejoice!