Community commitment, inclusive culture and overall sales celebrated
ST. LOUIS – (June 14, 2022) Save A Lot, one of the largest discount grocery chains in the U.S., today announced the accomplishments of 10 of its Retail Partners, sharing the names of the owners and operators honored at the company’s first-ever Retail Partner Awards.
The awards, presented during the Company’s annual meeting and food show for store owners and operators in St. Charles, Mo., recognize stores and operating organizations with outstanding achievements through 2022. Awards were given across four categories: Year-over-year Sales Growth, year-over-year Customer Count Growth; “Hometown Hero”; and Retail Partner of the Year. Retail Partners were divided into groups based on the number of stores owned (1 to 5, 5 to 10 and 11+ locations
Award Winners: Sales Growth
1-4 Store Owner: Westland, MI, owned & operated by Andrew Sandiha
5 to 10 Store Owner: Pontiac, MI, owned & operated by the Rabban Brothers/Jimmy Rabban
11+ Store Owner: Wilmington, DE, owned & operated by Shawn Rinnier
Award Winners: Customer Count Growth
1-4 Store Owner: Westland, MI, owned & operated by Andrew Sandiha
5 to 10 Store Owner: Tupper Lake, NY, owned & operated by Jeff Proulx
11+ Store Owner: Murfreesboro, TN, owned & operated by Houchens Industries
Award Winner: Hometown Hero
As local owners and operators, Save A Lot Retail Partners often go above and beyond to demonstrate their commitment to and support of the communities they serve. The Hometown Hero award recognizes the Retail Partner who consistently demonstrates that a huge heart is a critical piece of the business.
Jenny Kute and Craig Oeswein were awarded the Save A Lot Hometown Hero Award for demonstrating outstanding commitment to and support of the community they serve, inside and outside of their Louisville, KY store. Oeswein and Kute are a husband and wife ownership team known for building community across the area. They both serve on charitable boards—three between the two of them—addressing needs from food insecurity, education, and emergency assistance for neighbors.
Kyle Myers, operator of the Tracy City, Tenn., Save A Lot location was awarded Retail Partner of the Year for owners of 1-4 stores. Myers is a second-generation store owner who represents the ethos of Save A Lot: the ability to own and run your business while making a lasting impact on your community. His father opened the store in 1993 and ran it until Kyle purchased the store 16 years ago. Today he is actively engaged in the day-to-day business, setting high standards in service, regionally relevant merchandising, and best-in-class operational standards.
The Leppink Group, who own and operate six Save A Lot locations across southern and western Michigan were recognized as Retail Partner of the Year for owners of 5-10 stores. Led by an executive team made up of seasoned retail veterans, Leppink’s Group was honored for their ability to keep their stores running smoothly while remaining fully engaged in all aspects of the business and driving outstanding results. Particularly notable is the group’s drive to create an inclusive work culture. They do this by ensuring team members have a voice in decision making and can often be found working alongside store associates, adopting a “roll up your sleeves” mentality.
Freeman Family Enterprises was recognized as Retail Partner of the Year for owners of 11 or more stores. Owners and siblings Tim, Tom and Paul Freeman are third generation retailers who operate under the philosophy that running a great store means taking care of your people and the rest will come. To do this, the company’s executive team is in stores daily talking with associates, maintaining an open door and phone policy where store management teams and associates can call or email anytime.
“It was an honor to recognize these Retail Partners at our Annual Meeting and Food Show,” said Leon Bergmann, Chief Executive Officer, Save A Lot. “All of them have a commitment to their customers and communities. They and their teams work hard to ensure their communities have what they need and we’re proud to recognize them as best-in-class retailers.”
About Save A Lot
Founded in 1977, Save A Lot is one of the largest discount grocery store chains in the U.S., with approximately 900 stores in 32 states. Save A Lot remains true to its mission of being a hometown grocer, providing unmatched quality and value to local families. Customers enjoy significant savings compared to traditional grocery stores on great tasting, high quality private label brands, national brand products, USDA-inspected meat, farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, and other non-food items. For more information visit www.SaveALot.com and follow Save A Lot on Facebook (facebook.com/savealot) and Instagram or TikTok (@SaveALotFoodStores), or for more information on becoming a Save A Lot independent retail operator visit ownasavealot.com.
Media Contacts
Save A Lot:
Sarah Griffin
Director of PR & Community Engagement
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