FORMER NATIONAL CUSTOMERS SHOPPING SCHNUCKS

The casual observer didn't see much change Tuesday in the former Del-Farm National store at 121 S. Sprigg.

New name tags proclaimed the supermarket as the friendliest store in town, employees scurried to clean the glass atrium and tie-wearing executives gathered to review various operations.

The grocery store reopened as a Schnucks Tuesday following a buyout of several St. Louis-area National stores. It was closed Monday for the changeover.

A large volume of customers came out to shop after the reopening, and some commented about the ownership change.

"I live about six blocks down, so I'll keep shopping here," Helen Bigham said as she carried out a bag of food. "I don't see much difference, just some new faces."

There are more than 35 new faces employed at Schnucks Midtown. Del-Farm National employees were invited to reapply and stay, but only 22 did. Some who stayed on were transferred to Schnucks' larger, 24-hour store on Kingshighway.

Midtown manager John Hostetler said other employees left for different jobs, including openings at Target, a large department store to open soon at Route K and Interstate 55.

Even Hostetler experienced a career change due to the buyout. He formerly worked as supermarket manager at Schnucks, handling the food side of the operation. He said his new job would be a welcome challenge.

"We promise to run a clean store with friendly people and competitive prices," Hostetler said. "This area really needs a good supermarket."

While Schnucks Midtown can't hold as much merchandise as its Kingshighway counterpart, it will carry the same sale items at the same prices.

Store hours will be 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.