The mural-like paintings of Austin serve as back drop on the store's walls, giving it a sort of theatric feel. A man and woman order coffee at the cafe. A woman checks out at the register and chats with the clerk.

At the back of the store, a child entertains himself in the Playland as a woman refills her prescription at the pharmacy.

Across the "street," an array of merchandise attracts the attention of any visitor. The individuality of the place offers no towering metal shelves or maze-like aisles, but it does offer just about everything anyone would need.

On Dec. 17, 1952, at the age of 24, Leonard Astrup opened his first Sterling Drug store in Austin.

Fifty years later, Astrup Inc. has turned its oldest store into a destination for people in the area seeking something from everyday items to the unique. Eleven stores later, the company celebrates is 50th anniversary.

It all began with Astrup wanting to own his own store. While working in a Walgreens pharmacy, Leonard learned the company wanted to expand. The opportunity allowed him to look at and visit potential locations. He chose Austin.

"The name Sterling came from Mr. Sterling, the owner of the farmland. Once building started in the area, it became known as the Sterling Addition. Even though the store was owned by Astrup, it ran under the name Sterling Walgreens Agency Drugs," explained Jody Orth, advertising and marketing director of Astrup Inc.

The original location, beforethe store moved two years ago, was on the west end of the Sterling

Shopping Center.

The stores ran under the Walgreens Agency names until the 1980s, when it decided to close all the agencies and take the name away.

"It's probably the best thing that ever happen to the business. The key to any business is to differentiate itself from other stores. We did and it opened a lot of doors," said Chris Astrup, son of Leonard and operation chief of the company.

Chris and his brother Dan, both pharmacists, joined the family business in the early 80s.

As the company began to open other stores in southern Minnesota, the stores adopted the name of the shopping mall or the area. But later decided to go back to the original "Sterling" name to decrease confusion.

With times changing and the competitive market, the company has added other departments.

"It is the prototype for future stores. It's meant to look out into a city street; designed to resemble an old-fashioned street. Each department is set up as its own store with the gifts in the middle and the main street going around it," Chris Astrup explained.

"I pretty much come everyday since the store opened. You find something for everyone and it so unique," said Kristin Langan, a regular customer as she perused the candle area.

Langan said the relaxed environment is a nice alternative for a break during the day. She said there is always a sale going on, and the items are good quality.

The Main Street store is seven times its original size. It expanded from a 4,000 square foot to a 30,000.

"We are not so much of drug store anymore. Adding other products and items in the stores such as toys and gifts has worked out great for the store. Sales just exploded and took off and customers love it. We have created our on special niche and it's worked."

Sam Ewing, the store manager at Main Street, said the store still has iis pharmacy-based customers.

"To survive 50 years, you need to evolve to compete and this is what we have come up with," said Ewing of the Main Street concept.

Ewing said Austin is the Astrup's hometown and the store is an investment in the community.

"They are proud to be in Austin and its why they have their best store here. Its where everything started," he said.

The company plans to open at least one store in the next five years. Chris Astrup said Astrup Inc. buys existing stores from independent owners and builds on from that merchandise.

All operations of the 11 stores are run from the Astrup corporate distribution center in Austin.

During the anniversary, the store is having sales, promotions and has donated toys to the Austin Clinic and The Salvation Army.

"The celebration is a big deal for the store," Orth said.

Roxana can be reached at 434-2214 or by e-mail at roxana.orellana@austindailyherald.com