PCC Announces Name Change, Rolls Out New Products

ISSAQUAH, WA - The local PCC chain of co-op grocery stores is going through changes. PCC is changing its name to PCC Community Markets, has a new logo, and is rolling out a selection of new products and store features. The chain will celebrate the changes on Saturday with community fairs at each store - with locations in Issaquah, Seattle, Kirkland, Edmonds, Bothell, and Redmond - between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The name change reflects PCC's (Puget Consumer Co-op) commitment to sourcing products locally, CEO Cate Hardy said in a press release.

"As a community-owned co-op, we think about things differently, from our dedication to staff and our deep relationships with local producers, farmers and ranchers; to what makes it onto store shelves; to why we believe cooking food from scratch in each store every day is one of the most important things we do. The ‘why’ behind every decision we make starts with our community, and we want our name to reflect that commitment," she said.

PCC was founded in the 1950s in Seattle as a food-buying co-op. Customers can shop at PCC like any normal grocery store, but you can also become a member of the co-op, which grants special discounts and allows members to vote in board elections.

In recent years, PCC has expanded to become a local competitor to Whole Foods, opening large stores in Seattle's Columbia City and Green Lake neighborhoods and in Bothell.

In addition to the grocer will roll out new store features and products:

• PCC Grass-fed Yogurt: PCC is rolling out its first private label yogurt in partnership with the Pure Éire Dairy farm in Othello, Wash. New flavors including peach, strawberry, and vanilla bean, will be available Oct. 1
• Ready-to-cook meals: PCC will begin selling meal kits, which were created by the co-op's in-house culinary team.
• Chop Shop: A new "cut-to-order" service for fruits and vegetables. The program will launch first at the Edmonds and Redmond stores.
• Local Spirit Shop: PCC will make space in its stores for locally-made spirits from brands like Batch 206, Scratch, and Seattle Distilling.

To find out more about PCC's name change and Saturday's in-store events, visit the co-op's website.

Image via PCC