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<TITLE>Spartan Stores Form S-8 (Assoc. Stock Purchase Plan of 2009) - 09/04/09</TITLE>
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<P ALIGN="RIGHT">Registration No. _______</P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER">SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION<BR>
Washington, D.C. 20549<BR>
_______________</P>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=5><B>FORM S-8<BR>
REGISTRATION STATEMENT<BR>
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933</B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=5><B>SPARTAN STORES, INC.</B></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2>(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)</FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Michigan</B><BR>
(State or Other Jurisdiction of<BR>
Incorporation or Organization)</FONT></TD>
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<P>
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>38-0593940</B><BR>
(IRS Employer<BR>
Identification Number)</FONT></TD>
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<P>&nbsp;</TD>
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<P>&nbsp;</TD>
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<P>&nbsp;</TD>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>850 76<SUP>th</SUP> Street, S.W.<BR>
P.O. Box 8700<BR>
Grand Rapids, Michigan</B><BR>
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)</FONT></TD>
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<P>&nbsp;</TD>
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<B>49518</B><BR>
(Zip Code)</FONT></TD>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=5><B>SPARTAN STORES, INC.<BR>
ASSOCIATE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN OF 2009</B></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2>(Full Title of the Plan)</FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Alex J. DeYonker<BR>
Executive Vice President<BR>
General Counsel and Secretary<BR>
Spartan Stores, Inc.<BR>
850 76<SUP>th</SUP> Street, S.W.<BR>
P.O. Box 8700<BR>
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49518</B><BR>
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)</FONT></TD>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>Copies to:</FONT></TD>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Gordon R. Lewis<BR>
Warner Norcross &amp; Judd LLP<BR>
900 Fifth Third Center<BR>
111 Lyon Street, N.W.<BR>
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503-2487</B></FONT></TD>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><B>(616)&nbsp;878-2000</B><BR>
(Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Agent for Service)</P>

<P>Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of &quot;large accelerated filer,&quot; &quot;accelerated filer&quot; and &quot;smaller reporting company&quot; in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.</P>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>Large accelerated filer</FONT></TD>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT face="wingdings">&#111;</FONT></TD>
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<P>&nbsp;</TD>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>Accelerated filer</FONT></TD>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT face="wingdings">&#120;</FONT></TD>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>Non-accelerated filer</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="MIDDLE">
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT face="wingdings">&#111;</FONT></TD>
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<P>&nbsp;</TD>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>Smaller Reporting Company</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%" VALIGN="MIDDLE">
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT face="wingdings">&#111;</FONT></TD>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><B>CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE</B></P>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
<BR>
Title of<BR>
Securities to be<BR>
Registered</FONT></TD>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
<BR>
<BR>
Amount to be<BR>
Registered</FONT></TD>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Proposed<BR>
Maximum<BR>
Offering Price<BR>
Per Share(2)(3)</FONT></TD>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Proposed<BR>
Maximum<BR>
Aggregate<BR>
Offering<BR>
Price(2)(3)</FONT></TD>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
<BR>
<BR>
Amount of<BR>
Registration Fee</FONT></TD>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Common Stock,<BR>
no par value</FONT></TD>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>200,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" VALIGN="MIDDLE">
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>$13.25</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="20%" VALIGN="MIDDLE">
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>$2,650,000</FONT></TD>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>$147.87</FONT></TD>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>(1)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="95%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P><FONT SIZE=2>In addition, pursuant to Rule 416 under the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement also covers such indeterminate number of additional shares as may be authorized in the event of an adjustment as a result of an increase in the number of issued shares of Common Stock resulting from the payment of stock dividends or stock splits or certain other capital adjustments.</FONT></TD>
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<P>&nbsp;</TD>
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<P>&nbsp;</TD>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>(2)</FONT></TD>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee.</FONT></TD>
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<P>&nbsp;</TD>
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<P>&nbsp;</TD>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>(3)</FONT></TD>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>On September 1, 2009, the average of the high and low prices of the Common Stock of Spartan Stores, Inc. as reported on the Nasdaq Global Select Market was $13.25<B> </B>per share.  The registration fee is computed in accordance with Rule 457(h) and (c) under the Securities Act of 1933.</FONT></TD>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><B>PART II</B></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><B>INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT</B></P>
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<P><B>Item 3.</B></TD>
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<P><B>Incorporation of Documents by Reference.</B></TD>
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<P>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The following documents filed by the Registrant (also referred to as &quot;Spartan Stores&quot;) with the Securities and Exchange Commission are incorporated in this registration statement by reference:</P>

<DIR>
<P>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (a)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Registrant's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 28, 2009, filed on June 8, 2009 pursuant to Section&nbsp;13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the &quot;Exchange Act&quot;).</P>

<P>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (b)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; All other reports filed by the Registrant pursuant to Section&nbsp;13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the &quot;Exchange Act&quot;) since March 28, 2009.</P>

<P>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (c)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The description of Spartan Stores common stock contained in our registration statement on Form S-3 filed on August 16, 2007, as amended on September 13, 2007, including any further amendment or report filed hereafter for the purpose of updating such description.</P>
</DIR>

<P>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; All documents subsequently filed by the Registrant pursuant to Sections&nbsp;13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment that indicates that all securities offered have been sold or that deregisters all securities remaining unsold shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this registration statement and to be a part of this registration statement from the date of filing of such documents.</P>
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<P><B>Item 4.</B></TD>
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<P><B>Description of Securities.</B></TD>
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<P>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Not applicable.</P>
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<P><B>Item 5.</B></TD>
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<P><B>Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.</B></TD>
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<P>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Not applicable.</P>
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<P><B>Item 6.</B></TD>
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<P><B>Indemnification of Directors and Officers.</B></TD>
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<P>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Michigan law permits, and Article VI of the Spartan Stores' Restated Articles of Incorporation require, indemnification of Spartan Stores' directors and executive officers in a variety of circumstances, which may include liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.  The Restated Articles of Incorporation provide that directors and executive officers shall be indemnified as of right, and shall be entitled to the advancement of expenses, to the fullest extent now or hereafter permitted by law in connection with any threatened, pending, or completed civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative action, suit, or proceeding arising out of their service to Spartan Stores or one of its subsidiaries, or to another organization at the request of Spartan Stores or one of its subsidiaries.  Persons who are not directors or executive officers of Spartan Stores may be similarly indemnified in respect of such service to the extent authorized at any time by Spartan Stores' board of directors.  Furthermore, the Restated Articles of Incorporation provide that Spartan Stores may purchase and maintain insurance to protect itself and any such director, officer, or other person against any liability asserted against him or her and incurred by him or her in respect of such service, whether or not Spartan Stores would have the power to indemnify him or her against such liability by law or under its Restated Articles of Incorporation.  Pursuant to this authority, Spartan Stores maintains such insurance on behalf of its officers and directors.  </P>

<P>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Spartan Stores' bylaws contain extensive provisions concerning indemnification.  Among other things, the bylaws provide that Spartan Stores may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit, or proceeding (other than an action by or in the right of Spartan Stores), by reason of the fact that the person is or was a director, officer, employee, or agent of Spartan Stores or is or was serving at the request of Spartan Stores as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee, or agent of another foreign or domestic corporation or other entity, if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of Spartan Stores or its shareholders and, with respect to a criminal action or proceeding, the person had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. With respect to actions by or in the right of Spartan Stores, the bylaws provide that Spartan Stores may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any such proceeding if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of Spartan Stores or its shareholders; however, indemnification is not allowed with respect to a claim, issue, or matter in which the person shall have been found liable to Spartan Stores, except to the extent authorized by statute.  The bylaws also contain provisions concerning the manner in which the board determines whether a person is entitled to indemnification, the advancement of expenses, other indemnification agreements, insurance and certain definitions and interpretive provisions.</P>

<P>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; In addition, Spartan Stores' ability to indemnify its directors and officers or other persons is determined, to an extent, by the Michigan Business Corporations Act, as amended (&quot;MBCA&quot;).  The following is a summary of the applicable provisions of the MBCA:</P>
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<P>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Sections 561 through 571 of the MBCA contain provisions governing the indemnification of directors and officers by Michigan corporations.  That statute provides that a corporation has the power to indemnify a person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to a threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative and whether formal or informal (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee or agent of another foreign or domestic corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, whether for profit or not, against expenses (including attorney fees), judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with the action, suit or proceeding, if the person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation or its shareholders, and with respect to a criminal action or proceeding, if the person had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful.  The termination of an action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement or conviction, or upon a plea of <I>nolo contendere</I> or its equivalent, does not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation or its shareholders, and, with respect to a criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful.</P>

<P>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Indemnification of expenses (including attorney fees) and amounts paid in settlement is permitted in derivative actions, except that indemnification is not allowed for any claim, issue or matter in which such person has been found liable to the corporation unless and to the extent that a court decides indemnification is proper.  To the extent that a director or officer has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of an action, suit or proceeding, or in defense of a claim, issue or matter in the action, suit or proceeding, he or she shall be indemnified against actual and reasonable expenses (including attorney fees) incurred by him or her in connection with the action, suit or proceeding, and any action, suit or proceeding brought to enforce the mandatory indemnification provided under the MBCA.  The MBCA permits partial indemnification for a portion of expenses (including reasonable attorney fees), judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement to the extent the person is entitled to indemnification for less than the total amount.</P>

<P>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Under the MBCA, a corporation may pay or reimburse the reasonable expenses incurred by a director, officer, employee or agent who is a party or threatened to be made a party to an action, suit or proceeding in advance of final disposition of the proceeding if (i) the person furnishes the corporation a written affirmation of his or her good faith belief that he or she has met the applicable standard of conduct, and (ii) the person furnishes the corporation a written undertaking to repay the advance if it is ultimately determined that he or she did not meet the standard of conduct, which undertaking need not be secured.</P>

<P>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The indemnification provisions of the MBCA are not exclusive of the rights to indemnification under a corporation's articles of incorporation or bylaws or by agreement.  The indemnification provided for under the MBCA continues as to a person who ceases to be a<BR>
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director, officer, employee or agent.</P>
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<P><B>Item 7.</B></TD>
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<P><B>Exemption from Registration Claimed.</B></TD>
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<P>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Not applicable.</P>
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<P><B>Item 8.</B></TD>
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<P><B>Exhibits.</B></TD>
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<P>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The following exhibits are filed or incorporated by reference as part of this registration statement:</P>

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<P>Exhibit<BR>
<U>Number</U></TD>
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<P>&nbsp;</TD>
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<P><U><BR>
Document</U></TD>
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<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
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<P>4.1</TD>
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<P>&nbsp;</TD>
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<P>Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Spartan Stores, Inc. Previously filed as an exhibit to Spartan Stores' Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 10, 2005. Here incorporated by reference.</TD>
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<TD WIDTH="11%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
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<P>4.2</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>Amended and Restated Bylaws of Spartan Stores, Inc. Previously filed as an exhibit to Spartan Stores' Current Report on Form 8-K on August 20, 2007. Here incorporated by reference.</TD>
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<TD WIDTH="11%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
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<P>5</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>Opinion of Warner Norcross &amp; Judd LLP.</TD>
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<TR>
<TD WIDTH="11%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
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<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
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<P>23.1</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>Consent of Deloitte &amp; Touche LLP.</TD>
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<TD WIDTH="11%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
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<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
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<P>23.2</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>Consent of Warner Norcross &amp; Judd LLP (included in Exhibit 5 and incorporated herein by reference).</TD>
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<TR>
<TD WIDTH="11%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
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<P>24</TD>
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<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>Powers of Attorney.</TD>
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<TR>
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<P>&nbsp;</TD>
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<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
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<P>99</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
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<P>Spartan Stores, Inc. Associate Stock Purchase Plan of 2009.</TD>
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<P><B>Item 9.</B></TD>
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<P><B>Undertakings.</B></TD>
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<P>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (a)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:</P>

<DIR>
<P>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (1)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:</P>

<DIR>
<P>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (i)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; To include any prospectus required by Section&nbsp;10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;</P>

<P>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (ii)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the &quot;Calculation of Registration Fee&quot; table in the effective registration statement;</P>

<P>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (iii)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;</P>
</DIR>
</DIR>

<P><I>provided, however, </I>that paragraphs&nbsp;(a)(1)(i) and&nbsp;(a)(1)(ii) do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the Registrant pursuant to Section&nbsp;13 or&nbsp;15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement.</P>

<DIR>
<P>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (2)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial <I>bona fide </I>offering thereof.</P>

<P>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (3)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.</P>
</DIR>

<P>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (b)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the Registrant's annual report pursuant to Section&nbsp;13(a) or&nbsp;15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that is incorporated by<BR>
<BR>
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<HR SIZE="4" NOSHADE>

<P style='page-break-before:always'>
<BR>

reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial <I>bona fide</I> offering thereof.</P>

<P>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (c)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.  In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer, or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit, or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer, or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.</P>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
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<P style='page-break-before:always'>
<BR>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><B>SIGNATURES</B></P>

<P>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <I>The Registrant.  </I>Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Grand Rapids, State of Michigan, on September&nbsp;3, 2009.</P>
<BR>

<TABLE BORDER="0" CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="51%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%" VALIGN="TOP" COLSPAN=2>
<P>SPARTAN STORES, INC.<BR>
(Registrant)</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="51%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%" VALIGN="TOP" COLSPAN=2>
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="51%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%" VALIGN="TOP" COLSPAN=2>
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="51%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>By:</TD>
<TD WIDTH="44%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>/s/ Dennis Eidson<HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="51%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="44%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>Dennis Eidson<BR>
President and Chief Executive Officer<BR>
(Principal Executive Officer)</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="51%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%" VALIGN="TOP" COLSPAN=2>
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="51%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%" VALIGN="TOP" COLSPAN=2>
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="51%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>By:</TD>
<TD WIDTH="44%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>/s/ David M. Staples<HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="51%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="44%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>David M. Staples<BR>
Executive Vice President and Chief<BR>
Financial Officer<BR>
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal<BR>
Accounting Officer)</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>
<BR>

<P>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.</P>

<TABLE BORDER="0" CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="39%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>September 3, 2009</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>By</TD>
<TD WIDTH="56%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>*<HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="39%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="56%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>M. Sh&acirc;n Atkins<BR>
Director</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="39%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="56%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="39%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="56%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="39%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>September 3, 2009</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>By</TD>
<TD WIDTH="56%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>/s/ Dennis Eidson<HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="39%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="56%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>Dennis Eidson<BR>
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director<BR>
(Principal Executive Officer)</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="39%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="56%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="39%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="56%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="39%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>September 3, 2009</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>By</TD>
<TD WIDTH="56%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>*<HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="39%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="56%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>Dr. Frank M. Gambino<BR>
Director</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>

<BR>
<BR>
<CENTER>
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</CENTER>
<HR SIZE="4" NOSHADE>

<P style='page-break-before:always'>
<BR>

<TABLE BORDER="0" CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="39%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="56%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="39%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>September 3, 2009</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>By</TD>
<TD WIDTH="56%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>*<HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="39%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="56%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>Frederick S. Morganthall, II<BR>
Director</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="39%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="56%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="39%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="56%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="39%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>September 3, 2009</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>By</TD>
<TD WIDTH="56%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>*<HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="39%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="56%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>Elizabeth A. Nickels<BR>
Director</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="39%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="56%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="39%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="56%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="39%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>September 3, 2009</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>By</TD>
<TD WIDTH="56%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>*<HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="39%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="56%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>Timothy J. O'Donovan<BR>
Director</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="39%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="56%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="39%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="56%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="39%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>September 3, 2009</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>By</TD>
<TD WIDTH="56%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>*<HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="39%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="56%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>Kenneth T. Stevens<BR>
Director</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="39%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="56%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="39%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="56%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="39%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>September 3, 2009</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>By</TD>
<TD WIDTH="56%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>*<HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="39%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="56%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>Craig C. Sturken<BR>
Executive Chairman and Director</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="39%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="56%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="39%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="56%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="39%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>September 3, 2009</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>By</TD>
<TD WIDTH="56%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>*<HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="39%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="56%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>James F. Wright<BR>
Director</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="39%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="56%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="39%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="56%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="39%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>September 3, 2009</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>By</TD>
<TD WIDTH="56%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>/s/ David M. Staples<HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="39%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="56%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>David M. Staples<BR>
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer<BR>
(Principal Financial Officer and Accounting Officer)</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="39%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="56%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="39%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="56%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="39%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>September 3, 2009</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>*By</TD>
<TD WIDTH="56%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>/s/ Dennis Eidson<HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="39%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="56%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>Dennis Eidson<BR>
Attorney-in-Fact</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>
<BR>

<BR>
<CENTER>
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<HR SIZE="4" NOSHADE>

<P style='page-break-before:always'>
<BR>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><B><U>EXHIBIT</U> <U>INDEX</U></B></P>
<BR>

<TABLE BORDER="0" CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>Exhibit<BR>
<U>Number</U></TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P><BR>
<U>Document</U></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>4.1</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Spartan Stores, Inc. Previously filed as an exhibit to Spartan Stores' Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 10, 2005. Here incorporated by reference.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>4.2</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>Amended and Restated Bylaws of Spartan Stores, Inc. Previously filed as an exhibit to Spartan Stores' Current Report on Form 8-K on August 20, 2007. Here incorporated by reference.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>5</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>Opinion of Warner Norcross &amp; Judd LLP.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>23.1</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>Consent of Deloitte &amp; Touche LLP.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>23.2</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>Consent of Warner Norcross &amp; Judd LLP (included in Exhibit 5 and incorporated herein by reference).</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>24</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>Powers of Attorney.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>99</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>Spartan Stores, Inc. Associate Stock Purchase Plan of 2009.</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
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{"company-data": {"conformed-name": "SPARTAN STORES INC", "cik": "0000877422", "assigned-sic": "5141", "irs-number": "380593940", "state-of-incorporation": "MI", "fiscal-year-end": "0329"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "S-8", "act": "33", "file-number": "333-161749", "film-number": "091056267"}, "business-address": {"street1": "850 76TH ST SW", "street2": "P O BOX 8700", "city": "GRAND RAPIDS", "state": "MI", "zip": "49518", "phone": "6168782000"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "850 76TH ST SW", "street2": "PO BOX 8700", "city": "GRAND RAPIDS", "state": "MI", "zip": "49518"}}
Spartan Stores Form S-8 (Assoc. Stock Purchase Plan of 2009) - 09/04/09
Registration No. _______
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
_______________
FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
SPARTAN STORES, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Michigan
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
38-0593940
(IRS Employer
Identification Number)
850 76
th
Street, S.W.
P.O. Box 8700
Grand Rapids, Michigan
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
49518
(Zip Code)
SPARTAN STORES, INC.
ASSOCIATE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN OF 2009
(Full Title of the Plan)
Alex J. DeYonker
Executive Vice President
General Counsel and Secretary
Spartan Stores, Inc.
850 76
th
Street, S.W.
P.O. Box 8700
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49518
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
Copies to:
Gordon R. Lewis
Warner Norcross & Judd LLP
900 Fifth Third Center
111 Lyon Street, N.W.
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503-2487
(616) 878-2000
(Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Agent for Service)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
o
Accelerated filer
x
Non-accelerated filer
o
Smaller Reporting Company
o
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Title of
Securities to be
Registered
Amount to be
Registered
Proposed
Maximum
Offering Price
Per Share(2)(3)
Proposed
Maximum
Aggregate
Offering
Price(2)(3)
Amount of
Registration Fee
Common Stock,
no par value
200,000
$13.25
$2,650,000
$147.87
(1)
In addition, pursuant to Rule 416 under the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement also covers such indeterminate number of additional shares as may be authorized in the event of an adjustment as a result of an increase in the number of issued shares of Common Stock resulting from the payment of stock dividends or stock splits or certain other capital adjustments.
(2)
Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee.
(3)
On September 1, 2009, the average of the high and low prices of the Common Stock of Spartan Stores, Inc. as reported on the Nasdaq Global Select Market was $13.25
per share.  The registration fee is computed in accordance with Rule 457(h) and (c) under the Securities Act of 1933.
PART II
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Item 3.
Incorporation of Documents by Reference.
The following documents filed by the Registrant (also referred to as "Spartan Stores") with the Securities and Exchange Commission are incorporated in this registration statement by reference:
(a)          The Registrant's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 28, 2009, filed on June 8, 2009 pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act").
(b)          All other reports filed by the Registrant pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") since March 28, 2009.
(c)          The description of Spartan Stores common stock contained in our registration statement on Form S-3 filed on August 16, 2007, as amended on September 13, 2007, including any further amendment or report filed hereafter for the purpose of updating such description.
All documents subsequently filed by the Registrant pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment that indicates that all securities offered have been sold or that deregisters all securities remaining unsold shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this registration statement and to be a part of this registration statement from the date of filing of such documents.
Item 4.
Description of Securities.
Not applicable.
Item 5.
Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.
Not applicable.
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Item 6.
Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
Michigan law permits, and Article VI of the Spartan Stores' Restated Articles of Incorporation require, indemnification of Spartan Stores' directors and executive officers in a variety of circumstances, which may include liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.  The Restated Articles of Incorporation provide that directors and executive officers shall be indemnified as of right, and shall be entitled to the advancement of expenses, to the fullest extent now or hereafter permitted by law in connection with any threatened, pending, or completed civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative action, suit, or proceeding arising out of their service to Spartan Stores or one of its subsidiaries, or to another organization at the request of Spartan Stores or one of its subsidiaries.  Persons who are not directors or executive officers of Spartan Stores may be similarly indemnified in respect of such service to the extent authorized at any time by Spartan Stores' board of directors.  Furthermore, the Restated Articles of Incorporation provide that Spartan Stores may purchase and maintain insurance to protect itself and any such director, officer, or other person against any liability asserted against him or her and incurred by him or her in respect of such service, whether or not Spartan Stores would have the power to indemnify him or her against such liability by law or under its Restated Articles of Incorporation.  Pursuant to this authority, Spartan Stores maintains such insurance on behalf of its officers and directors.
Spartan Stores' bylaws contain extensive provisions concerning indemnification.  Among other things, the bylaws provide that Spartan Stores may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit, or proceeding (other than an action by or in the right of Spartan Stores), by reason of the fact that the person is or was a director, officer, employee, or agent of Spartan Stores or is or was serving at the request of Spartan Stores as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee, or agent of another foreign or domestic corporation or other entity, if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of Spartan Stores or its shareholders and, with respect to a criminal action or proceeding, the person had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. With respect to actions by or in the right of Spartan Stores, the bylaws provide that Spartan Stores may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any such proceeding if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of Spartan Stores or its shareholders; however, indemnification is not allowed with respect to a claim, issue, or matter in which the person shall have been found liable to Spartan Stores, except to the extent authorized by statute.  The bylaws also contain provisions concerning the manner in which the board determines whether a person is entitled to indemnification, the advancement of expenses, other indemnification agreements, insurance and certain definitions and interpretive provisions.
In addition, Spartan Stores' ability to indemnify its directors and officers or other persons is determined, to an extent, by the Michigan Business Corporations Act, as amended ("MBCA").  The following is a summary of the applicable provisions of the MBCA:
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Sections 561 through 571 of the MBCA contain provisions governing the indemnification of directors and officers by Michigan corporations.  That statute provides that a corporation has the power to indemnify a person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to a threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative and whether formal or informal (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee or agent of another foreign or domestic corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, whether for profit or not, against expenses (including attorney fees), judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with the action, suit or proceeding, if the person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation or its shareholders, and with respect to a criminal action or proceeding, if the person had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful.  The termination of an action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement or conviction, or upon a plea of
nolo contendere
or its equivalent, does not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation or its shareholders, and, with respect to a criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful.
Indemnification of expenses (including attorney fees) and amounts paid in settlement is permitted in derivative actions, except that indemnification is not allowed for any claim, issue or matter in which such person has been found liable to the corporation unless and to the extent that a court decides indemnification is proper.  To the extent that a director or officer has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of an action, suit or proceeding, or in defense of a claim, issue or matter in the action, suit or proceeding, he or she shall be indemnified against actual and reasonable expenses (including attorney fees) incurred by him or her in connection with the action, suit or proceeding, and any action, suit or proceeding brought to enforce the mandatory indemnification provided under the MBCA.  The MBCA permits partial indemnification for a portion of expenses (including reasonable attorney fees), judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement to the extent the person is entitled to indemnification for less than the total amount.
Under the MBCA, a corporation may pay or reimburse the reasonable expenses incurred by a director, officer, employee or agent who is a party or threatened to be made a party to an action, suit or proceeding in advance of final disposition of the proceeding if (i) the person furnishes the corporation a written affirmation of his or her good faith belief that he or she has met the applicable standard of conduct, and (ii) the person furnishes the corporation a written undertaking to repay the advance if it is ultimately determined that he or she did not meet the standard of conduct, which undertaking need not be secured.
The indemnification provisions of the MBCA are not exclusive of the rights to indemnification under a corporation's articles of incorporation or bylaws or by agreement.  The indemnification provided for under the MBCA continues as to a person who ceases to be a
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director, officer, employee or agent.
Item 7.
Exemption from Registration Claimed.
Not applicable.
Item 8.
Exhibits.
The following exhibits are filed or incorporated by reference as part of this registration statement:
Exhibit
Number
Document
4.1
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Spartan Stores, Inc. Previously filed as an exhibit to Spartan Stores' Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 10, 2005. Here incorporated by reference.
4.2
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Spartan Stores, Inc. Previously filed as an exhibit to Spartan Stores' Current Report on Form 8-K on August 20, 2007. Here incorporated by reference.
5
Opinion of Warner Norcross & Judd LLP.
23.1
Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
23.2
Consent of Warner Norcross & Judd LLP (included in Exhibit 5 and incorporated herein by reference).
24
Powers of Attorney.
99
Spartan Stores, Inc. Associate Stock Purchase Plan of 2009.
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Item 9.
Undertakings.
(a)          The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
(1)          To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
(i)          To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;
(ii)          To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effective registration statement;
(iii)          To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;
provided, however,
that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement.
(2)          That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial
bona fide
offering thereof.
(3)          To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
(b)          The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the Registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that is incorporated by
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reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial
bona fide
offering thereof.
(c)          Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.  In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer, or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit, or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer, or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
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SIGNATURES
The Registrant.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Grand Rapids, State of Michigan, on September 3, 2009.
SPARTAN STORES, INC.
(Registrant)
By:
/s/ Dennis Eidson
Dennis Eidson
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
By:
/s/ David M. Staples
David M. Staples
Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal
Accounting Officer)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.
September 3, 2009
By
*
M. Shân Atkins
Director
September 3, 2009
By
/s/ Dennis Eidson
Dennis Eidson
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
September 3, 2009
By
*
Dr. Frank M. Gambino
Director
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September 3, 2009
By
*
Frederick S. Morganthall, II
Director
September 3, 2009
By
*
Elizabeth A. Nickels
Director
September 3, 2009
By
*
Timothy J. O'Donovan
Director
September 3, 2009
By
*
Kenneth T. Stevens
Director
September 3, 2009
By
*
Craig C. Sturken
Executive Chairman and Director
September 3, 2009
By
*
James F. Wright
Director
September 3, 2009
By
/s/ David M. Staples
David M. Staples
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and Accounting Officer)
September 3, 2009
*By
/s/ Dennis Eidson
Dennis Eidson
Attorney-in-Fact
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EXHIBIT
INDEX
Exhibit
Number
Document
4.1
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Spartan Stores, Inc. Previously filed as an exhibit to Spartan Stores' Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 10, 2005. Here incorporated by reference.
4.2
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Spartan Stores, Inc. Previously filed as an exhibit to Spartan Stores' Current Report on Form 8-K on August 20, 2007. Here incorporated by reference.
5
Opinion of Warner Norcross & Judd LLP.
23.1
Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
23.2
Consent of Warner Norcross & Judd LLP (included in Exhibit 5 and incorporated herein by reference).
24
Powers of Attorney.
99
Spartan Stores, Inc. Associate Stock Purchase Plan of 2009.