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Podcast: Why Save A Lot became a wholesaler

CEO Leon Bergmann says the company is 100% committed to serving its network the right way

Bill Wilson, Senior editor at Supermarket News

August 31, 2023

 

In early August discount grocery store operator Save A Lot sold the last of its 18 stores to become a wholesaler and licensor to the Save A Lot store network.

It was a natural transition for Saint Ann, Mo., based retailer, which will now focus on providing the right core offering and the right framework for its network of independent retailers.

“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 of Save A Lot, in a statement following the 18-store selloff.

The move to a wholesaler actually started in 2019 before Bergmann became CEO of Save A Lot, but he believes it was the right move to make.

Bergmann sat down with Supermarket News Senior Editor Bill Wilson to talk about the move to a full-fledged wholesaler as well as other topics like food deserts and grocery price inflation, which Bergmann believes has not reached its peak.

In this episode you will hear about:

  • Why Save A Lot made the pivot to the wholesale level

  • How Save A Lot will focus on fresh offerings in its distribution network

  • Save A Lot’s strategy to promote a fresh approach

  • Save A Lot’s pricing approach throughout its network

  • The impact of food deserts in the U.S.

  • The status of grocery price inflation

Take a listen.

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About the Author

Bill Wilson

Senior editor at Supermarket News

Bill Wilson is the senior editor at Supermarket News, covering all things grocery and retail. He has been a journalist in the B2B industry for 25 years. He has received two Robert F. Boger awards for his work as a journalist in the infrastructure industry and has over 25 editorial awards total in his career. He graduated cum laude from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale with a major in broadcast communications.

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