Spag's
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Spag's was a discount department store on Route 9 in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, which was in business from 1934 to 2004. It was founded by Anthony Borgatti, nicknamed "Spag" (short for spaghetti, his favorite dish). The logo was a cowboy hat because that is what Spag wore. Until 1996, one had to bring his or her own bags, hence the slogan, "No bags at Spag's." Spag's was a local sponsor of the broadcast of The New Yankee Workshop and The Victory Garden on PBS local station WGBH. When Spag died in 1996, his daughters took over until 2002 when they sold it to Building 19. The location became Spag's 19, and in September 2004 Building 19 owner Jerry Ellis said the store was not profitable in its current format. Spag's merchandise and operations were converted to Building 19's format. October 3, 2004 was the last day of business for Spag's. For much of its lifecycle, the roof of the main building had the name "SPAGS" written across the east-roof, but this was painted over in 2005. Other businesses surrounding Spags have since closed, including The Ground Round family-style restaurant due to lack of business.
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[edit] Store Layout
Spag's was originally one central building, but was later named "the warehouse," when the store opened the Spag's Sports Shop -- featuring sports, hunting, and fishing tools -- and the Spag's Olde School House, which contained household tools and items like pencils, nursing wear, and photography accessories. The Olde School House was closed for storage after being sold to Building 19, but was reopened for a short while in 2003, before being closed for good finally. The Sports Shop closed in 2004 after the store officially became Building 19. The only remaining building, other than the main building (which saw renovations in the mid 1990s), is the Garden Shop which sits adjacent to the main building.
[edit] Brand Loyalty
Though Spag's prices were arguably not much different from any other department store, they often carried only one or two brands of a particular product, and because of the stores popularity in New England and central Massachusetts, brands that are not market leaders in other areas of the country are household brands in the Spag's districts. Such is the case with Ban Deodorant, Colgate Toothpaste, and Good as Gold Coffee.
[edit] Spag's slogans
- The Home of Spagtacular Savings
- No Bags at Spag's
- Where Shopping is an Adventure
- Where Your Cash Buys More
- Spag's has no bags
