BY ANGELA KOENIG
Enquirer Contributor
On Monday, shoppers at the Western Hills McAlpin's were more concerned with keeping a department store on Cincinnati's west side than the name it carries.
Kathie Loughrey, 56, of Green Township said she has been a McAlpin's shopper for years and likes the mix of ''upscale'' and ''regular merchandise.'' But she said she doesn't mind a change of name to Dillard's - as long as the new owner stays on the city's west side.
''This is the only department store we've got over here. Hopefully, it will work out,'' Ms. Loughrey said.
Ruth Kemper, 71, of Green Township hadn't heard the news. She got married just last week and was busy shopping for last-minute items for her honeymoon. She said the area needs more than one good department store - whether it's McAlpin's or another.
''We're all disgusted that we don't have enough good shopping over here. I have three daughters that live over here, and they all feel the same way too,'' she said.
Harold Crane, 68, of Green Township, agreed that lack of choice - not ownership - is the problem of west side shoppers. ''On this side of town, I don't think anybody's got any choice.''
But, he added, ''I'll probably shop more at Northgate Mall,'' in the future.
Barbara Thiemann of Green Township said she's been to the Dillard's in Naples, Fla., and it is ''pretty similar'' to McAlpin's.
The change won't faze her.
Elizabeth Grayson said she'll feel a loss.
The 36-year-old Green Township woman has been shopping the Western Hills McAlpin's since she was 10.
''I just love McAlpin's. I just hope nothing changes'' in merchandise and pricing, she said.
