Save A Lot sells remaining stores — finishes transition to 100% wholesaler

Save A Lot no longer operates any stores — at least not directly.

The discount grocer said it has re-licensed its remaining 18 company-operated stores, finalizing its ongoing strategy to shift ownership and operations of all Save A Lot locations to independent, licensed ownership. The stores, all in the company’s home market of St. Louis, served as  test locations for new innovations and programs.

The stores are being acquired by Leevers Supermarkets, a current Save A Lot retail partner with 29 locations in markets including Denver and Philadelphia. Based in Castle Rock, Col., the grocer will continue to operate the stores under the Save A Lot banner.

 The acquisition by Leevers is the final chapter in Save A Lot’s wholesale transformation, which began in late 2020. While no longer operating stores directly, the company said it will continue to partner closely with individual retailers such as Leevers and others across its network to provide a base for testing new innovations and programs before deploying them to all stores.

“As we’ve made a strategic shift to become a licensed wholesaler, it’s clear that our long-term growth momentum must be rooted in the success of our strong network of retail partners,” said Leon Bergmann, CEO. “Since its inception, Save A Lot has filled an important need as a discount, high quality hometown grocer in each community it serves. Our retail partners are closest to and best positioned to meet the needs of those customers. The time was right for us to step fully into our role as a licensed wholesaler and put all operations in the hands of our dedicated retailers.”

“We are proud to be a part of the Save A Lot network and are thrilled to grow our footprint with the brand,” said Leevers Supermarkets president and CEO Gabe Disbrow. “We remain fully committed to delivering an exceptional shopping experience with unmatched value to every shopper who walks through our doors. We’re looking forward to being a part of the St. Louis community.”

Added Bergmann: “We’re confident that with this change in our business, we are best positioned to achieve our long-term goal of enabling profitable sales growth for all Save A Lot retailers through our combination of world-class wholesale business and engaged retail support.”

Founded in 1977, Save A Lot is the largest independently owned and operated discount grocery store chain in the U.S., with more than 800 stores in 32 states in its network.

[Read More: Save A Lot supports wholesale shift with supply chain optimization]