Discount grocer Save A Lot has sold five Washington D.C.-area stores to an independent retailer, reports Supermarket News. The corporate-owned stores are being bought by AQS Foods LLC, an operator of gas stations and convenience stores.
AQS Foods owner Qasim Warraich said the company has plans to remodel all five stores, both interior and exterior, within the next year. In addition, AQS will customize each store’s assortment to the needs and preferences of their communities.
“I’ve been interested in expanding into the grocery segment for some time and am very fortunate to be partnering with a strong national brand like Save A Lot,” Warraich said. “The D.C.-area locations are in strong neighborhoods with great potential for steady growth, and completely overhauling all stores in the near future will only contribute to that while providing a superior shopping experience for customers. As we begin to make the kind of changes shoppers can see and feel in-store, I’m confident we’ll continue to build a loyal following. I’m looking forward to taking on the new challenges that come with operating a neighborhood grocery store and especially in serving local residents.”
In December, Save A Lot announced that it’s transitioning from a grocery retail to a grocer wholesale model. Under the plan, the company aims to sell more than 300 corporate-operated locations to current and new retail partners. Save A Lot has said it expects to finish the transition of most corporate stores to independent ownership in 2021.
“We’re pleased to have Qasim join our Save A Lot team, bringing a passion for our customers and a strong commitment to growing the brand,” Save A Lot CEO Kenneth McGrath said. “Qasim is well-positioned to respond to the needs of the local community. We’re looking forward to working together and continuing to serve customers across the region.” Full Story
Related: Save A Lot Sells Stores to Fresh Encounter; Dollar Tree, Family Dollar Combination Format Sees Sales Lift.
Image: Save A Lot