By Christina Lange
The condition of the neighborhood’s only grocery store has been a source of dismay to area residents for some time. Due to many complaints, The Paper has made a preliminary investigation into existing conditions at the A & P store at Delmar and Des Peres. The following is a report of our findings.
The A & P store was visited on several occasions recently to assess the quality of shopping facilities available in our neighborhood. The building was found to be in basically sound condition. The walls seemed to be in good condition and appeared clean. Lighting was adequate. These factors were found to be consistent during each inspection. The floors, though, were found to be in a severe state of disrepair, and dirty. The store had been visited at various times of the day, and at no time was an attempt to remedy the dirt situation evident.
Prices of staple items were competitive with other stores elsewhere, although many items were difficult to find. Selection of some items, such as brands of canned tuna fish, was extensive while extremely limited in other areas, such as brands of noodles and pasta products and variety of canned vegetables.
The produce was found to be fresh and competitive in price.
The meat department, if not extensive in its variety, seemed to carry items of standard quality at competitive prices.
The dairy products, on the other hand, were questionable. Prices were, as far as we could determine, competitive. On all our visits, dates on dairy products were checked. Often the dates on milk had been smudged and were illegible. On one occasion when dates could be clearly read, the milk was stale dated by three days. On this same visit stale dates were found on other dairy products, including sour cream, which carried a date twelve days prior to this visit.
We were told that the store receives dairy items direct from the dairy. If they come from the dairy with old, or near old dates, why does the store manager accept them? If these products sit on the store shelf past the dates marked, why are they not returned for credit?
Also of concern to residents is the trash situation behind the store, sometimes overflowing into the alley. (Other store businesses in the 6000 block of Delmar are also guilty of this.) Some improvement has been noticed at A & P, but this still remains a problem.
A recent visit resulted in a conversation with the present manager of the store. During this exchange the manager expressed favorable sentiments toward this neighborhood, but denied knowledge of situations outlined above, with the exception of the trash. He gave assurance that the trash problem outside the store is being remedied, and that he is cooperating with the City Health Department in this matter.
Original photograph caption
Also of concern to residents is the trash situation behind the store, sometimes overflowing into the alley. The Paper, October 1974, printed page 7 (PDF page 8). Photographer not credited.
Originally published in The Paper, October 1974.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1974_10.pdf, printed page(s) 7; PDF page(s) 8.
