I remember as a kid taking my nickel or dime to the neighborhood corner store and leaning over the penny candy display case trying to decide what treasures to buy (I am sure testing the patience of Mr. Ermatinger). While the corner store is vanishing in many places, our Beaumont-Wilshire neighborhood still has a few that offer us the convenience of a short walk away to pick up those basic or last minute items or quick treat for the kids.
A little over a year ago, Albert “Al” Mauro purchased the Wilshire Market at Fremont and Alameda. While Al had no previous experience in the grocery business, he had been involved for more than 10-12 years in the retail business selling bath and body care products from Anchorage, AK to Vancouver, WA and even to Portland’s own Clackamas Town Center. Al’s move into the grocery business was prompted by a desire to obtain a bit more stability in volatile economic times, and he picked our neighborhood for its reputation for being safe, secure and family oriented. This year, the same logic prompted him to become a full time neighbor, as he relocated to the small apartment on the upper level of the store. He’s done some reorganizing of the market in the last year, expanding product lines as he develops better feel for the needs of local customers while maintaining a few favorites left over from previous owners (fortunately I can still get my “spicy pork” lunch fix every couple of weeks). Al takes pride in recognizing “regulars” and having items ready for them at the counter before they even need to say a thing. In addition, the couple small tables in store serve as a gathering spot for customers to enjoy a traditional morning cup of coffee and conversation. If you don’t see something you’d like to have in stock, let Al know and he’ll see what he can do within his supplier network. Like any small business person, Al spends a lot of hours in his store; however, he does employ a couple part time positions to give him a few breaks during the week.
As we look for activities to improve our neighborhood, shopping local and supporting those businesses will continue to sustain and grow our choices within walking distance—a convenience that should be valued and not taken lightly— so if you’re “in the neighborhood”, stop in and say hi to Al at the Wilshire Market.