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What Merger? It was the morning after Robinson’s and May Co. merged into the new Robinsons-May chain.

Evidence of the marriage, however, was hard to find when Mission Viejo Mall opened for business at 10 a.m. on Monday. Both Robinson’s and May still had their old signs. There was a small placard outside Robinson’s main entrance: “We’re tying the knot . . . come celebrate with us . . . great things are in store for you.�

Shoppers were aware of the union. Bonnie Law, a San Juan Capistrano resident, browsed at Robinson’s early and then headed to May Co. “I like the quality at Robinson’s,� Law said. “But at May Company, I like the prices.�

Jenifer Otta was outside May’s front door 10 minutes before the store opened. The Dana Point resident also equates Robinson’s with quality and May with value. Otta said the merger will be successful if the hybrid ends up “more like Robinson’s.�

Robinsons-May spokesmen didn’t return telephone calls about the fate of shopping centers that, like Mission Viejo Mall, ended up with two Robinsons-May stores. Some specialty-store operators at the mall speculate that one of the Robinsons-May locations will eventually feature home decorations, the other clothing and accessories.

If that’s the case, smaller merchants would rather be near the clothing store, because it is likely to generate heavier foot traffic.

“Who buys furniture in a department store anymore?� sniffed one retail operator.