The Save Mart Companies selects president as new CEO
A major West Coast grocery store company has named its new chief executive.
The Save Mart Companies has promoted Jim Perkins, an industry veteran, to the role of CEO. Perkins has served as the president of the company since 2024, leading store operations, marketing and merchandising across the Save Mart, Lucky, FoodMaxx, Roth's, and Chuck's Fresh Markets banners. He succeeds Shane Sampson, who has retired after leading the company as CEO since 2022.
Perkins spent the first 12 years of his grocery career in his home state of California before leading teams across the United States, including in Florida, Oklahoma, Texas, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Idaho. He returned to California in 2004 to lead the Lucky banner in the Bay Area.
“I am honored to lead The Save Mart Companies at this pivotal moment," said Perkins. "For 70 years, we've been a trusted partner to West Coast families because we understand what it means to be a true neighbor. Our associates know their communities intimately because they live and work in them, serving neighbors they've known for years. Our competitive advantage isn't just what we do – it's who we are. That authentic connection, combined with our transformation across operations, formats, and digital innovation, positions us for meaningful growth while staying true to our roots."
Under the leadership of Perkins, The Save Mart Companies said it plans to open new locations, complete major remodels and expand merchandising assortments across all banners in 2026. (Perkins detailed the upcoming expansions and more in an exclusive interview with Chain Store Age sister publication Progressive Grocer.)
In 2024, The Save Mart Companies was acquired by The Jim Pattison Group, a Canadian conglomerate based in Vancouver, B.C.
"Jim exemplifies the leadership qualities and community commitment that define both The Save Mart Companies and The Jim Pattison Group," said Ryan Barrington-Foote, president of The Jim Pattison Group. "His deep understanding of West Coast grocery, proven track record of operational excellence, and dedication to developing people make him the ideal leader to guide this award-winning company into its next chapter. We're excited to support Jim and this exceptional team as they build on 70 years of trusted service to their communities."
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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. The company employs more than 11,000 associates.
