Dundee grocery will convert to Save-A-Lot

DUNDEE—Martini’s ShurFine will start preparations this month to convert to a Save-A-Lot grocery store.
Owner Doug Martini explained the store will liquidate all of its current foods and products over a four week period starting in January. Martini, who purchased the store from Alan and Lew Ann Giles in 2009, said he will retain ownership. Save-A-Lot’s headquarters is located in St. Louis, Mo. The chain operates more than 1,300 locations nationwide.
Martini explained the store will close for “a number of weeks” after the liquidation sale is completed to remodel most of the inside and parts of the exterior. He said the store will get new shelving, refrigeration units, cash registers, flooring, and ceiling tiles. Martini added the exterior will remain ultimately the same, but with Save-A-Lot signs and white and yellow striping.
The food brands will also change. They will offer Save-A-Lot and other new brands. Save-A-Lot stores display most of their products in the same cartons used for shipping. Martini explained the store will keep the meat department. Fruits and produce will also be available.
He added the number of employees will also remain about the same.
Martini said he has been planning this change for nine months. He said he wanted his prices to be more competitive, so he approached Save-A-Lot about opening a store in Dundee in place of the ShurFine. He added the store also needed remodeling.
Martini added the change could “bring more people into the community.” He explained if more people shop at the Save-A-Lot, they might also shop at other local stores.