Save A Lot entering New York via micro-fulfillment center
Save A Lot is pushing into the New York City market with a new online storefront, automated fulfillment platform and third-party delivery partner.
Later this month, the Missouri-based discount grocery wholesaler is opening a Brooklyn-based online fulfillment center equipped with Fabric micro-fulfillment technology. This effort is part of a larger expansion which includes a push into New York City.
Orders placed from the Save A Lot Brooklyn online storefront on the Uber Eats app will be delivered to doorsteps by Uber couriers, building on an online delivery partnership the grocer launched with Uber in June 2024.
"At Save A Lot, we’re committed to keeping prices low and making sure our customers have access to the essentials, especially as inflation continues to affect household budgets," said Bill Mayo, COO at Save A Lot. "Our partnership with Fabric and expansion into micro-fulfillment will streamline operations and allow us to offer accessibility to consumers wherever they are at competitive prices. We’re excited to bring this affordable, convenient shopping experience to the New York market."
Micro-fulfillment technology uses automated robots to retrieve grocery items from a compact in-store storage center for streamlined picking. At the Brooklyn Save A Lot center, Fabric will assemble 50-item orders in six to eight minutes, enabling fast 30-minute pick-up and delivery options.
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Photo credit: Dan Powell -
Photo credit: Dan Powell -
Photo credit: Dan Powell
"At Uber we know consumers are looking for fast delivery options for fresh, affordable grocery essentials, so we’re pleased to be partnering with both Save A Lot and Fabric who continue to innovate in the space," said Nathan Bernheim, head of enterprise sales for grocery and retail at Uber. "Together we can bring essential items to communities that need them in entirely new ways."
The partnership’s first-of-its-kind consumer delivery center will launch in October 2024 at a Brooklyn warehouse, where Fabric’s advanced cube-based storage system will automate Save A Lot’s grocery fulfillment exclusively for direct-to-consumer delivery across Brooklyn.
The Save A Lot and Fabric automated micro fulfillment center uses two types of robots to store and pick groceries across three temperature zones.
“Our partnership with Save A Lot uses advanced automation to tackle one of today's biggest challenges — rising consumer prices,” said Curt Avallone, co-CEO of Fabric. “Our micro-fulfillment technology improves efficiency across the supply chain, helping retailers address the broader operational needs while delivering an exceptional customer experience. We’re proud to support the mission to make quality, affordable groceries more accessible.”
[READ MORE: Five key considerations for micro-fulfillment centers]
Founded in 1977, Save A Lot is the largest independently-owned and operated discount grocery store chain in the U.S., with approximately 750 stores in 32 states.
