[Southsider2k12]

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Scot Squires, 1-866-362-2167 Ext. 13869, ssquires@heraldargus.com


Photo: Wendy Thoms
The Save-A-Lot store at 38305 Franklin St. in Michigan City is set to open in the middle of September.
More photos from this shoot


New Save-A-Lot store to add to variety of supermarket options in Michigan City



MICHIGAN CITY -- Shoppers will soon have another choice when it comes to grocery stores.

A new Save-A-Lot store will open in the middle of September at 38305 Franklin St. in Michigan City, next to the Goodwill store.

“It is a fantastic location,” said store owner Todd Hinson. “People can get in and out of the parking lot very easily.”

The 15,000-square-foot store is expected to create 25 full- and part-time jobs.

Save-A-Lot stores are smaller stores with an “edited assortment,” according to company spokeswoman Jaime Folsom Powers.

“Save-A-Lot carries the products most used by consumers,” she said in a press release. “By eliminating costly overhead and unnecessary amenities, the store can offer the best of the most frequently purchased products and pass the savings on to its customers.”

The store will have frozen food, fresh meat and produce and dairy departments.

The store is mostly stocked with store-brand merchandise, but some specially priced, temporary items will be name brand.

Shoppers will bag their own groceries, like at Aldi, which has been in the area for a number of years.

Hinson, who owns three other Save-A-Lot stores, believes the store will do well in Michigan City.

“We had market studies done, and we believe customers want a store like ours based on the market studies,” he said.

“It is a very clean operation,” Hinson said. “The fresh meat is cut daily. We have a clean, bright store with very good front-end service. The prices are fantastic.”

Hinson, a northwest Indiana native, is no stranger to Michigan City and has fond memories of the community.

“I use to fish on the Michigan City pier as a kid with my dad,” he said.

Although he wouldn’t provide specific details, Hinson said there are plans to open more Save-A-Lot stores in La Porte County.

The new store will have lots of competition. Michigan City already has a Jewel/Osco, Aldi, K&M, Meijer and two Al’s supermarkets. A new Wal-Mart Supercenter is scheduled to open this winter.

There are 1,150 Save-A-Lot stores nationwide, including one in La Porte. Some of the stores are corporate owned while others are licensed to other companies. The Michigan City store is owned by Hinson’s company, VIP Food LLC of Hammond.

Save-A-Lot’s parent company is Supervalu, which also owns the Michigan City Jewel/Osco store.

[JHeath]

Gee, just what we needed. Another grocery store!

[Ang]

We had a Save-A-Lot here in Casper. It was my favorite store. They have Aldi prices with brands you'll find in most "regular" grocery stores. One thing in particular is their "That's a Wrap" brand foils and clear wraps. The clear wrap is the stickiest I've ever come across. Better than Saran IMO.
Ours closed last spring. I have no idea why. They were in a bad location, so maybe they didn't get enough business. I was very sad when they left because my grocery bill doubled.

[JHeath]

We had a Save-A-Lot here in Casper. It was my favorite store. They have Aldi prices with brands you'll find in most "regular" grocery stores. One thing in particular is their "That's a Wrap" brand foils and clear wraps. The clear wrap is the stickiest I've ever come across. Better than Saran IMO.
Ours closed last spring. I have no idea why. They were in a bad location, so maybe they didn't get enough business. I was very sad when they left because my grocery bill doubled.

Just one more reason to move back to the area, Ang.

[Ang]

Just one more reason to move back to the area, Ang.

I'm working on it...

[Roger Kaputnik]

Even though I am pretty happy with the meat counter at Jewel's, I will try the meat at SavALot. I hope it is beef...

[Southsider2k12]

I'm glad you posted here, because that reminded me that today is the opening day. They sent a bunch of discount coupons out in the mail, so saving a few bucks is enticement enough for me to check them out!

Personally I just hope that this doesn't mean the end of Al's between this new store, and the Super-Wal-Mart going in.

[mcstumper]

Drove by the Save-a-lot on my way home from work at about 6pm and the lot was packed...

[JHeath]

I'm glad you posted here, because that reminded me that today is the opening day. They sent a bunch of discount coupons out in the mail, so saving a few bucks is enticement enough for me to check them out!

Personally I just hope that this doesn't mean the end of Al's between this new store, and the Super-Wal-Mart going in.

I'm with you, SSider. I love Al's, and their employees. I don't think that SavALot will hurt Als as much as it may affect Aldi. But Super Wal-Mart may be another story.

[Southsider2k12]

Al Pontius gave my dad his first job. I have had all kind of relatives work there over the years, and everybody really seemed to like the place. Personally I think the people who work there are the nicest group in town of the grocery store employees. I might be biased, but hey, there is nothing wrong with that.

[Roger Kaputnik]

I checked it out. Personally, I will keep shopping like I do now.

[RexKickass]

I'm glad you posted here, because that reminded me that today is the opening day. They sent a bunch of discount coupons out in the mail, so saving a few bucks is enticement enough for me to check them out!

Personally I just hope that this doesn't mean the end of Al's between this new store, and the Super-Wal-Mart going in.

Is Al's doing that badly?

I think they are somewhat insulated with their locations not being near any other Supermarket. (Karwick Plaza, and Ames Field being a good few miles from any other market. If Meijer didn't kill Al's, I doubt Super Wal Mart will.

[JHeath]

Is Al's doing that badly?

I think they are somewhat insulated with their locations not being near any other Supermarket. (Karwick Plaza, and Ames Field being a good few miles from any other market. If Meijer didn't kill Al's, I doubt Super Wal Mart will.

If you remember, Meijer did kill the Valueland II store (that used to be near Wal-Mart). That was a sister store to Al's.

I doubt that Wal-Mart will be the end of Al's, but they will have loss leaders that will at least initially hurt the Al's stores.

[Ang]

If K&M is stll open, I wouldn't worry too much about Al's

[Roger Kaputnik]

I always thought that Al's on the south side closed way too fast.

[RexKickass]

If you remember, Meijer did kill the Valueland II store (that used to be near Wal-Mart). That was a sister store to Al's.

I doubt that Wal-Mart will be the end of Al's, but they will have loss leaders that will at least initially hurt the Al's stores.

I do remember the Valueland II store. That replaced the Al's that was across from Marquette Mall, right?

[Southsider2k12]

I do remember the Valueland II store. That replaced the Al's that was across from Marquette Mall, right?

Yes it did. I think it was supposed to eventually replace the store by Ames too, but it got slaughtered by the Meijer store. I think Al's does have its niche in town at least. Hopefully they do stick around, as they are the last truely local place we have.

By the way all Save A Lot is, is another Aldi. Lots of generics, and a few specials on stuff. Nothing impressive unless you luck upon them having something you need.

[RexKickass]

What about K&M?

[Southsider2k12]

K&M is kind of on its own island there on the east side. I think they will be OK as a "neighborhood" store.

[Roger Kaputnik]

K&M and East Side Produce on 20 are locally owned by the same people.

Meijer deliberately had lowball prices to knock VII out: Too bad so many people jumped. Just wait till WalNart (thanks, Ang) opens; we all know the reputation they have regarding local businesses. I propose a contest: How long can you avoid the new place?