The Save Mart Companies, Amazon partner for in-store return kiosks
A major West Coast grocer is rolling out a new in-store feature to make Amazon returns easier for customers.
The Save Mart Companies is implementing Amazon return kiosks across its Save Mart, Lucky, and FoodMaxx banners. After a successful pilot program in 15 stores across California and Nevada, the service expanded to 140 additional stores by the end of December. Kiosks will be available at all remaining stores by February 2026.
The program allows customers to return eligible Amazon items during their grocery run, with no shipping box, tape or label required. Bags and labels are provided at the kiosks where customers scan a QR code, bag their items, and drop them off securely. When starting a return with Amazon, customers will be able to select Save Mart, Lucky, or FoodMaxx as their drop-off location.
“The reality is, returning an item has become a routine part of the online shopping experience, especially after the busy holiday season,” said Tamara Pattison, chief digital officer of The Save Mart Companies. "With this rollout completing just in time for the post-holiday return rush, our stores throughout California and Western Nevada are positioned to make returns as easy and convenient as possible for the millions of online shoppers we both serve."
The grocer says the pilot program demonstrated strong customer adoption, showing increases in both store traffic and sales compared to non-participating locations.
To drive additional value for customers, The Save Mart Companies says it will soon be offering a $5 discount on same-day purchases of $25 or more for customers who use the Amazon return kiosks. Customers can access this offer by showing their Amazon return confirmation to a store associate or by scanning a QR code displayed on the kiosk screen.
[READ MORE: The Save Mart Companies debuts comprehensive food affordability, access program]
“Our customers want flexibility in how and where they return items, and this collaboration with The Save Mart Companies offers them more choices," said Bryan Puckett, director of worldwide returns at Amazon. "We're thrilled to extend label-free, shipping box-free returns to communities throughout California and Western Nevada, making it easy for customers to return items to Amazon during their shopping trips."
The Save Mart Companies operates more than 200 stores across California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington under the Save Mart, Lucky, FoodMaxx, Roth's, and Chuck's Fresh Markets banners. It employs 11,000 associates.
