Renovated Market Fills Bill for Leisure World Clientele

A renovated supermarket just outside Leisure World opened for business Wednesday, much to the relief of retirement community residents who have been without a neighborhood market for four months.

“I’m pleased to have it back,” said Leisure World resident Rita Hammer as she inspected the market’s new facade. “It’s nice to have a place close by.”

The Seal Beach Market, in the Leisure Center on Seal Beach Boulevard, replaces the Leisure Market, which lost its lease in April and was forced to close.

Some loyal shoppers had come to appreciate the market’s effort to stock the brands and sizes favored by senior citizens. They also expressed concern that the new market would no longer strive to meet the needs of older shoppers.

But customers praised the new market, which is decorated in bright pastel colors. Several described the new design as neater and brighter than the old market’s 1960s decor.

“I like it so far. It looks very nice, and the prices are fair,” said Leisure World resident Rita Hammer. “I was sad to see the old market go, but they’ve done a lot with this place. I’m happy with it.”

As part of the renovation, the market was expanded by 2,000 square feet and now boasts a full-service meat department and a bakery.

Shoppers said that the aisles remain wide enough for wheelchairs and electric carts, and that the shelves have been lowered so that senior citizens can more easily reach the merchandise. Price tags are displayed in large print.

“I’m very enthusiastic,” said Seal Beach Councilman George Brown, who represents Leisure World, after a visit. “It’s really designed for senior citizens.”

Brown said that he checked the prices of products he regularly purchases and found them “comparable” with the local Lucky Food Center.

Last month, more than 100 Leisure World residents met with the new market operators in a discussion designed to calm fears about the store’s future.

A representative of the market vowed Wednesday to “cater to Leisure World,” which he described as “our primary clientele.”

During the four-month renovation period, Leisure World residents had to travel blocks outside the gated community to do their grocery shopping.

“I’m not used to a big market,” said Hammer, who shopped at the Lucky Food Center on Pacific Coast Highway during the closure. “I like to know where everything is. It’s so convenient to have a market right here. . . . You get to appreciate it.”