Believe it or not people, I don't mind being proved wrong. Clearly not all the time, because that would be horribly depressing, but when I have preconceived notions about someone or something, I will gladly take my lumps for it. I deserve them. We are all human. We judge others. It's in our nature, so I KNOW you know what I am talking about.

I rarely tear down a store, but this week I was ready to do so.  It had been some time since I visited the 6^th Avenue Neighborhood Market. My rare visits to this store were to grab a half-rack of PBR for the husband or a bag of ice. Aside from the lack of selection and warm fuzzies, frankly the place creeped me out a little bit.

However, this visit shed a new light on this interesting little market and I am thrilled to take my lumps. First thing I encounter is a display of locally roasted Valhalla Coffee for purchase by the pound. Right on. I then bee line it to the wine and beer section. Shocking. Wine selection has improved as well as beer, so much so, soon they plan to add a few more 22 oz. beer selections, and perhaps even some Russian River Brewing skews.

The next thing I noticed was how organized and neatly stacked all the dry goods are. They focus on Western Family products, which has always been a solid brand in my book. I found some organic items in the line up too. Something is going on here. ...

All this changed had me curious. I wanted to talk to someone and I didn't have a choice, because the manager was curious about me too. So I confessed to him who I was and what I was doing. This opened a floodgate of information for which I was happy to receive.

First of all, in January of 2009 owner John Loesch sold the business only to take it back by August of that same year. Some people just can't cut it. Sadly, Loesch wanted to retire and do some traveling. These plans had to be put on hold, until he met new manager, also John, who shares Loesch's vision.

"The neighborhood is changing, so we have to change with it," says Loesch. He points out however that while the demographics of 6^th Avenue is changing rapidly; he must strike a delicate balance between his fixed income customers and the newer affluent homeowners. "I want to change - offer more organics and other items, but it's going to take time. I don't want to alienate my customers who have been so loyal," explains Loesch.

One exciting change to take affect soon is their plan to host a co-op this summer. They will include fresh produce and some freezer items from local farmers and vendors. This is a great start for this scrappy little market. They have a ways to go, but they're making it happen and I applaud their efforts.

You will find almost everything you need at this neighborhood market, especially super friendly employees who are so happy you are there. You'll even find a strangely large 50-ounce can of beef gravy for $6.95 in the deli section. I like gravy just as much as the next gal, but wow. ...

So if you're in the Sixth Avenue neighborhood, stop in and say hello to "the Johns." With more support from their customers, they will make this little market blossom into something great for the Sixth Avenue District.

[6th Avenue Neighborhood Market, 3002 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.627.3344]