In a recent OB Rag poll on the closing of Apple Tree market aimed at our local readers in Ocean Beach and Point Loma, 6 out of ten respondents indicated that they would not miss its closing.
60.6% responded that that the market leaving would either not affect them as they don’t shop there (almost 9%), they only shop there on occasion and would not miss it (almost 24%), or ‘good riddance’ as it’s “dirty, smelly, old” (nearly 23%), and they’ll shop somewhere else around the Peninsula (5.3%).
About one in eight said it would be “devastating” if the store closed, as they don’t know where they will shop (12.3%).
A substantial number of those polled saw the demise of the market ushering in condos as “significant gentrification” for OB (nearly 16%). Another 7% said even though they don’t live in OB or PL, they don’t see it as a “good development”.
Here is the Poll as it was written with the number and percentage of respondents to each answer:
OB RAG POLL for OB and Point Loma residents: It looks like Apple Tree market will be closing. How does this affect you as an OB or Point Loma resident?
It would be devastating. I don’t know where I would then go to shop.
14 — 12.3%
Would not affect me at all as I don’t shop there.
10 — 8.8%
I only shop there on occasion, so probably would not miss it at all.
27 — 23.7%
Apple Tree is dirty, smelly, old – good riddance!
26 —22.8%
I’ll shop at Peoples, Baron’s, and other local supermarkets around the Peninsula.
6 —5.3%
Once it’s closed and condos are built there – OB would see significant gentrification.
18–15.8%
Not sure at all.
2 — 1.8%
Don’t live in OB or PL – but I know this is not a good development.
8–7%
What’s the big deal?
3–2.6%
Total Votes: 114 Started: October 24, 2012 – Nov. 1, 2012
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
I am surprised at these results. I suspect a lot of the people that go to Apple Tree don’t even know it is at risk. The area around it is very high rental and people may not follow this site. I admit I would not drive to Apple Tree from other parts of OB, but living 2 blocks away,we do walk to it a couple times a week. If you actually polled people within walking distance I think the results might be quite different. Regardless of people’s opinion on Apple Tree, losing a grocery store within walking distance to such a large population is a sad thing. One can only hope that of this happens, something healthy for the community (and not just a developers wallet) will come.
I’m sure by this point word as spread. Plus it was mentioned here: http://sdnews.com/view/full_story/20674442/article-Lease-dispute-puts-market-in-crosshairs-for-Nov–27-closure?instance=most_popular1
But I agree that hopefully something good will take it’s place.
Well, that article certainly puts things in a different perspective. So they haven’t made improvements to apple tree because lease issues have been holding them back? Perhaps we as a community can solicit the property owner and let them know we intend to fight back against anything that does not serve our communities best interests. This is not LA. I think most OBceans will agree condos are not appropriate for that space.
Interesting to hear that as the logic for not bringing the store up to date…I also wonder if they’d really try to move to Newport, and what that would mean for OB Surf & Skate…
Lyn, certainly our poll is limited – at least by those factors that you cite. And like you, were were somewhat surprised by the results. Although, we have to say, there was a good amount of interest in the poll itself in that we had relatively speaking lots of respondents.
It’s unfortunate that we will not have a grocery store in town, even as horrible and overpriced as Apple Tree is. They were recently cited for something to do with advertised price vs. price charged at the register. There is a sign hanging on the door like a scarlet letter to this effect. They want to open a Baron’s type of store in the old B of A building. That will, no doubt, be cost effective eatin! $10 cheese slices and day old soups of dubious origin.
I went there tonight with my daughter to pick up some pasta and sauce. I said, “we’re going to your favorite place!” She whined, “Noooo!!!!” She hates this place as much as I do, and when we pulled up we both let out audible gasps. “Awesome”, I said as she laughed. I’m so so so so glad they’ve finally closed. It looks like they’re gutting the place. I’ve heard a rumor that it’s going to be condos, but with the location, condos might be a poor choice. I’ve also heard it’s going to be a better market, like a Baron’s. Why doesn’t Trader Joe’s move here? Trader Joe’s is perfect for OB. A little eclectic, reasonably priced, neighborhood friendly, and it would bring much needed jobs to the area. And I wouldn’t have to drive to the dreaded Liberty Station, especially on Sundays.
Yes! Trader Joes!
For those of you sad about the end of Apple Tree, let me tell you my experiences. I once bought flour tortillas, got them home and every tortilla but the top one was moldy. I guess I should have checked the date, but I’m not used to doing their job while I shop. I brought the tortillas back about 20 minutes later without a receipt and they wouldn’t take them back. They said that it was beyond the date and that I must have bought them earlier. I took the dude down to the tortillas, and sure enough, my tortillas were the only ones from that date. No exchange, they basically called me a liar. I have gotten expired sour cream, cheese, even cereal that was stale. At the far end of the store by the meats they had a discount bin. Usually that means stuff a month or two away, but still usable, and I always checked it for stuff I could freeze. One time they had cat food in it. 25 cents a can. I bought probably 10 cans. I opened the stuff and it reeked. I looked at the date and it had gone bad that month a year ago. Which in canned cat food regulations meant it was at least 5 years old. The manager was creepy as hell, and the produce was either rotting, had flies all over it, or both. It would be a shame if they took over Surf & Skate. I doubt Hodad’s is going to wanna share a two block radius with this health code violation.
There’s always STUMP’S. They usually have pretty good prices (on most things) and fresh products.
Trader Joes Trader Joes Trader Joes! Can I get an AMEN!!