Six stores to reopen under Save A Lot banner across Chicago
Six underserved communities in the city of Chicago are getting a new grocery option.
Save A Lot and Yellow Banana, a retail grocery platform that owns and operates Save A Lot locations, are reopening of six remodeled grocery stores in neighborhoods across Chicago. The stores have undergone extensive interior and exterior renovations, underscoring Save A Lot's and Yellow Banana’s commitment to the communities they serve by providing access to fresh and affordable groceries while supporting the local economy and communities, according to a Save A Lot press release.
[READ MORE: Save A Lot sells remaining stores, completes transition to 100% wholesaler]
The renovations include new flooring, lighting, equipment, HVAC systems, dairy and meat cases, paint, décor, fixtures and signage. The improvements are designed to enhance the shopping experience and provide a welcoming environment.
The first renovated store is now open in the city's Garfield Park section (at 420 South Pulaski Road). It will be followed by reopenings at 10700 South Halsted St., 2858 East 83rd St., 7240 South Stony Island Ave., 7908 South Halsted St. and 4439 West 63rd St. later this fall.
The completion of the project to reinvigorate the Save A Lot brand in Chicago is the culmination of a collaboration between Yellow Banana, the City of Chicago and City representatives.
“We are proud to take steps to re-introduce the Save A Lot brand to Chicago by reopening our stores,” said Joe Canfield, CEO of Yellow Banana. “I’m confident that the investment made to remodel and upgrade these stores will pay off for shoppers, providing a significantly improved customer experience. We’re grateful to the City of Chicago, to the communities around these stores and to Save A Lot for their patience and support throughout this process. We look forward to serving these neighborhoods with pride.”
The temporarily closed stores faced several challenges, including delays in construction, equipment setbacks due to supply chain disruptions, and utility connection issues following vandalization incidents that left two stores without power for nearly three months. Despite the delays, Yellow Banana said it has continued to pay team members throughout the renovation process and significant progress has been made.
“It was important that we took the necessary time and care to remodel the stores in a way that sets the business up for success so we can fulfill the needs of the community for years to come,” said Bill Mayo, chief development officer at Save A Lot. “Save A Lot has a long-standing commitment to supporting its Retail Partners and we look forward to continuing to support Yellow Banana as the stores reopen.”
Save A Lot’s business model focuses on local ownership, which allows store operators such as Yellow Banana to tailor their offerings to meet the unique needs of their communities. Save A Lot services approximately 750 stores in 32 states.
Yellow Banana owns and operates 38 stores under the Save A Lot banner across the Cleveland, Chicago, Milwaukee, Jacksonville and Dallas metropolitan areas.
