Save-A-Lot grocery store Opening in Seminary Commons

A new Save-A-Lot grocery store is opening, re-occupying a years-vacant shopping center at 23- 37 Seminary Street. Chon Tomlin, a representative of the discount grocery chain, said the 19,000- square-foot store is scheduled to open February 2nd. From outside the recently renovated retail space, workers could be seen putting the finishing touches on the building — painting, setting up shelves and posting signs. The refrigerated coolers along one wall were lighted, as was the newly hung sign over the store’s facade.

Tomlin said at this stage in the preparations, non-perishable products will soon begin to arrive at the store to be stocked on the now-empty shelves. Auburn residents will soon receive circulars in the mail announcing the opening day and some of the grand opening specials planned for the first week of business. Tomlin said individuals searching for employment at the store can visit the chain’s website and apply online. Work to renovate the former grocery store and drug store began last August.

Save-A-Lot will occupy one half of the 38,000-square-foot shopping center, known as Seminary Commons by developer Washington St. Partners. The other half does not yet have a tenant yet, according to the developer’s website, and has not yet been renovated. A flyer distributed by Washington St. Partners to potential businesses advertises the space as ideal for professional services, restaurants and retail.

According to plans submitted to the Auburn Industrial Development Authority board, Washington St. Partners expects the $1.45 million project to bring 58 full-time and 12 part-time jobs to the city. The AIDA board approved that plan in November 2010, along with a 15-year payment in lieu of taxes agreement. The building stood empty for several years — a grocery store left more than 15 years ago and a drug store vacated in 2005.

Save-A-Lot is a national chain, offering discount groceries at more than 1,200 locations. Tomlin said the store’s prices are arrived at by offering the company’s own brand of products with fewer options in packaging. For example, instead of three different sizes of ketchup, Save-A-Lot stocks only one, medium-sized bottle, which costs less to produce. Tomlin said the company is always excited to open another franchise, and is looking forward to doing business in Auburn.