Dave’s IGA sells to Price Cutter parent company

The 2525 W. College St. store, which includes a pharmacy, was renamed Price Cutter after the sale closed Friday, according to an RPCS news release. RPCS now has 34 stores and 20 pharmacies.

Officials would not disclose terms of the sale.

Dave’s IGA previous owner Dave Wingerter will remain in store management with Price Cutter but chose to sell so he could cut down on his hours.

“When you’re an independent grocer, you do it all,” he said in the release. “Human resources, purchasing, accounting – it’s all up to the owner. I’m looking forward to cutting back and working fewer hours so that I can spend more time with my family.”

Wingerter purchased the store in 1999 after managing it for nine years. RPCS originally approached Wingerter four years ago about buying the store, but he turned that offer down.

The store’s remodeling begins this week, with a repainting of the exterior and equipment replacements and upgrades. The store will remain open during the switchover.

Other changes will include an expanded frozen-food selection, a new full-service deli with hot and cold foods and a bakery. The pharmacy also has begun selling Price Cutter’s offering of more than 300 generic drugs, priced at $3 for a one-month supply.

Most of Wingerter’s 35-member staff chose to reapply with Price Cutter and were rehired. At least five positions will be created with the addition of the deli and bakery; applications will be accepted soon.

The city of Springfield-operated recycling center at the east end of the store’s parking lot will remain open.