Utahns have a mixed reaction about the merger with May
Deseret News 15Oct99 B3
By Jenifer K. Nii: Deseret News staff writer

The purchase of ZCMI by May Department Stores Company is receiving mixed reaction among ZCMI's customers. Customers fear that major changes to the formerly LDS Church-owned stores will mean that their shopping habits will change, while others are simply glad that the stores have been saved, fearing that recent troubles would eventually mean that the chain would go out of business. One of these, Banker Brett Eliason, wants the stores to stay in business, "If the option is closing it down or keeping it open, I would much rather they keep it open," he said. "It would be unfortunate if they had to lose the ZCMI name because it has been such an icon for such a long time. But if ZCMI has to make some concessions to stay open, they might have to be willing to do that."

Chief among the worries forseen is that the stores might open on Sundays. ZCMI has never opened on Sunday in its 132-year history. The terms of the purchase restrict May from opening the stores on Sunday as long as they have the ZCMI name. The name will be phased-out over the next two years.

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ZCMI chief feels mixed emotions over sale Deseret News 16Oct99 B2 http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/1%2C1249%2C125008917%2C00.html But Madsen admits that 'a burden has been lifted' By Max B. Knudson: Deseret News business editor