The discount grocery chain Save A Lot completed the sale of 33 company-owned stores across the greater Orlando area to Ascend Grocery, LLC, as part of the discount grocer’s ongoing efforts to convert corporate-owned stores to local ownership.
Ascend Grocery was co-founded and led by industry veteran Chris Sherrell, founder and former CEO of Fresh Thyme Farmers Market and Sunflower Farmers Market. The grocery retailer said Sherrell had built a seasoned team of leaders to drive the business, focusing on elevating the employee experience and building long-term community partnerships.
“It’s an honor to partner with Save A Lot. By combining the brand’s great quality and low prices with our understanding of how to provide superior customer service and an outstanding shopping experience, I believe we can make a real impact for customers in the greater Orlando area,” said Chris Sherrell, CEO of Ascend Grocery, LLC. “Our passion is in serving customers by creating opportunities for employees and in immersing ourselves within the greater community. Having happy employees who take pride in their work leads to customers having the best shopping experience in town.”
Related Article: Save A Lot Plans to Modernize All its 1,000 Stores By 2024
As part of the conversion, Ascend Grocery will retain the 400 store associates who work at the 33 Save A Lot stores, which will continue serving each neighborhood, emphasizing convenience and high-quality products at a great value and extraordinary customer service. Stores will also increase their assortment of ethnic and locally sourced food items to serve customers in meaningful ways better, focusing on providing a wider variety of fresh and quality produce and meats.
All Ascend Grocery stores will undergo a significant remodel process beginning this year. This will deliver an enhanced shopping environment both inside and outside the stores, including new décor, upgraded flooring, lighting, and updated produce and meat cases, said the company.
“Ascend Grocery is a world-class, high-caliber team of grocers who will bring an extraordinary level of experience to our stores in Orlando,” said Tim Schroder, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at Save A Lot. “Their commitment to serving customers, community, and employees, together with Save A Lot’s mission of providing convenient access to high-quality foods, will be a winning combination. I’m confident their continued investment in the Orlando market will lead to a profound impact on how customers enjoy the Save A Lot experience for many years to come.”