The Brief The planned closure of a Fred Meyer store in Tacoma has sparked community concern, as over 200 employees are set to be laid off and the neighborhood fears becoming a food desert. The upcoming closure of a Fred Meyer store in Tacoma will impact more than 200 employees and has left residents concerned that they will be living in a food desert. He said in an online statement:"I want to express my disappointment regarding the news of the upcoming closure of our local Pacific Fred Meyer store. A lot of those shoppers aren’t going to have access to coming to a different Fred Meyer," said Aria Joslyn, member of UFCW 367 and Fred Meyer cashier. Fred Meyer workers are being transferredBig picture view:Kroger has said it is offering its workers the opportunity to transfer.