If the filing person has previously filed a statement on Schedule 13G to report the acquisition that is the subject of this Schedule 13D, and is filing this schedule because of ·· 240.13d-1(e), 240.13d-1 (f) or 240.13d-1(g), check the following box.   (    )

Note: Schedules filed in paper format shall include a signed original and five copies of the schedule, including all exhibits. See · 240.13d-7 for other parties to whom copies are to be sent.

* The remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting person's initial filing on this form with respect to the subject class of securities, and for any subsequent amendment containing information which would alter disclosures provided in a prior cover page.

The information required on the remainder of this cover page shall not be deemed to be "filed" for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Act") or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section of the Act but shall be subject to all other provisions of the Act (however, see the Notes).

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Item 1. Security and Issuer

         Spartan Stores, Inc.
         850 76th Street S.W.
         P.O. Box 8700
         Grand Rapids, MI 49518
         Common shares

Item 2. Identity and Background.

(a)

Name:  Towle & Co.

(b)

Residence or business address:  12855 Flushing Meadow Drive
         St. Louis, MO 63131

(c)

Present Principal Occupation or Employment:  Investment Advisors

(d)

Criminal Conviction:  Not applicable.

(e)

Court or Administrative Proceedings:  Not applicable.

(f)

Item 3. Source and Amount of Funds or Other Consideration:

         Funds under management.

Item 4. Purpose of Transaction

            State the purpose or purposes of the acquisition of securities of the issuer. Describe any plans or proposals which the reporting persons may have which relate to or would result in:

         Seeking capital appreciation of acquired stock.

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(a)

The acquisition by any person of additional securities of the issuer, or the disposition of securities of the issuer;

No current plans to increase or decrease the number of issuer's shares under management.

(b)

An extraordinary corporate transaction, such as a merger, reorganization or liquidation, involving the issuer or any of its subsidiaries;

Not applicable.

(c)

A sale or transfer of a material amount of assets of the issuer or any of its subsidiaries;

Not applicable.

(d)

Any change in the present board of directors or management of the issuer, including any plans or proposals to change the number or term of directors or to fill any existing vacancies on the board;

Not applicable.

(e)

Any material change in the present capitalization or dividend policy of the issuer;

Not applicable.

(f)

Any other material change in the issuer's business or corporate structure including but not limited to, if the issuer is a registered closed-end investment company, any plans or proposals to make any changes in its investment policy for which a vote is required by section 13 of the Investment Company Act of 1940;

Not applicable.

(g)

Changes in the issuer's charter, bylaws or instruments corresponding thereto or other actions which may impede the acquisition of control of the issuer by any person;

Not applicable.

(h)

Causing a class of securities of the issuer to be delisted from a national securities exchange or to cease to be authorized to be quoted in an inter-dealer quotation system of a registered national securities association;

Not applicable.

(i)

A class of equity securities of the issuer becoming eligible for termination of registration pursuant to Section 12(g)(4) of the Act; or

Not applicable.

(j)

Any action similar to any of those enumerated above.

Not applicable.

Item 5. Interest in Securities of the Issuer.

(a)

Not applicable.

(b)

Not applicable.

(c)

Not applicable.

Transaction
Date

Shares or Units
Purchased (Sold)

Price per
Share or Unit

(d)

Not applicable.

(e)

Not applicable.

Item 6. Contracts, Arrangements, Understandings or Relationships with Respect to Securities of the Issuer.


         None.

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Item 7. Material to be Filed as Exhibits.


         None.

Signature

        After reasonable inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief, I certify that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct.

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