HomeMy WebLinkAbout1978 02-06 Super America threw key away 13 years ago REVIEW - '•F "�`
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"If you don't have fun at work or enjoy Juetten, Terry Kimpker, Leslie Blau, changed its store merchandise.
your job, then why bother to,come," Rick Sanchez and Scott Glasgow, to Instead of selling electronics, toys,
commented Hank Johnson, manager of mention a few.When one cashier claimed clothes, and sporting goods, Super
the White Bear Avenue Super America in that she had been there forever,Johnson America has narrowed down to
Maplewood. His philosophy seems to added, "She was born in the furnace." automotives, groceries and a dabble of
pervade this store where joking ac- The joking doesn't keep these people electronics:
companies activity and employees call from working, however. Changes in the Hank.Johnson prefers the grocery line
each other by nickname, last two years have kept everyone busy- "absolutely,"because of the fast turnover
By real name, though, there is quite a especially Johnson,who works 60 or more in merchandise. "There's too many
roll call of employees who have been with hours a week. Not only has Super speciality shops now,so a special item is
this Super America for over two years. America become a self-service station in not something that you look for in a gas
Karen Dahl, Connie Pearson, Kathy the last year, but it has dramatically station," Johnson explained. Customers
must appreciate the change too, since
business has doubled since Feb., 1976.
Besides the regular dry groceries,
Super America carries frozen meats,
fresh fruits (in the summertime) and
vegetables,a large selection of Wisconsin
cheeses, and a small deli section of
yogurts, sandwiches, and salads.
Before the merchandise change went
into effect, the Super America was
remodeled. Two sections of windows
along the entire width of the building were
added, computerized gasoline pumps
were installed, and the check-out was
moved to the center of the store. These
additions encouraged a faster business,
hindered shoplifting,and decongested the
increasingly busy store.
One fact that the Super America people
are very proud of is that ever since they
opened 13 years ago,the doors have never
- not during the night, during freezing
weather, or during construction - been
closed. Johnson laughed, "Before we
remodeled,we didn't even have a key to
the front door."
If the Super America people seem close
in spirit, it might have to do with their
living in the same area-all within a mile
of the Super America. All except Hank
Johnson, that is, who lives in St. Paul.
Park.Managers sometimes have to keep
their distance.
LILLIE SUBURBAN
NEWSPAPERS, INC.
Week of Feb.6,1978