Jeremy Ratliff
Reporter
A long standing neighborhood grocery market on the city’s west side will soon be undergoing wholesale changes, courtesy of new owners John and Kim Kaufman of Merrill.
The Kaufman’s purchased Rich’s Discount Center-located at 1504 W.Main Street- last month, after nearly 30 years in business. The immediate future for the Kaufman’s new endeavor will be a busy one. Along with a new look consisting of a full interior and exterior renovation courtesy of Mark Raymer, the business will also soon undergo a name change, to be known as ‘West Side Market.’
“Mark has already started some of the interior work,” John explains.
“It will take some time, but when everything is done the entire store will have a brand new look. The store will have new flooring and lighting and the walls will be re-done, along with a complete exterior face lift. I really think people will be pleased with the changes we have planned.”
The Kaufmans also plan to add 3-5 new jobs consisting of a Full-Time manager and Part-Time stockers and cashiers.
Future plans also include expanding the variety of groceries the store offers, as well as offering fresh dairy and produce.
Current hours are 9 AM-5 PM Monday-Friday and 9 AM-3PM on Saturdays, however the hours too will soon be changing.
“Within the next month we would like to add Sunday hours but we aren’t quite sure yet exactly what they will be. But I can guarantee we will soon be open on Sundays too.” John adds.