Last updated on May 30th, 2017 at 11:54 am
After months of construction, Save Mart celebrated the opening of its new store at 1400 Mercey Springs Road in Los Banos, California, on May 24. The unit marks the seventh under the Save Mart banner to incorporate the brand’s updated look and the new features geared toward convenience and service.
“We’ve enjoyed being part of this community since 1987. What a great way to celebrate three decades here—by opening a brand new store,” said store manager George Bettencourt, who leads a team of 101 employees.
Thirty-three positions were created as a result of the larger store, which is 52,000 s.f. The old location closed Sunday, May 21, with all workers transferring to the new location across the street Monday morning.
Among the new offerings of the Los Banos store:
• Burrito/taco/nacho bar with tortillas made fresh in the store;
• A “Valley Fresco” area with vegetable/fruit-infused water, fresh juice bar, smoothies, fresh-cut produce, fresh salsa and guacamole;
• Specialty sandwiches;
• Salad and soup bar;
• In-store grill for hassle-free barbecues; shoppers pick what’s for lunch or dinner and Save Mart grills it;
• Bigger produce department with expanded organic selection;
• Larger floral department;
• Expanded selection of natural, organic and bulk foods;
• Café seating with Wi-Fi;
• Self-checkout lanes; and
• Pharmacy
As part of the grand opening, Pacheco and Los Banos High each received a $500 donation. The Sportsman’s Club and Golden Agers, both long-time Save Mart shoppers, each received a $500 gift card. All year long, the store donates up to 3 percent of its profits to nearly 100 local schools and charities through its Shares powered by eScrip program. Shoppers who sign up for the program can designate which nonprofits will receive monthly donations.
Save Mart operates 207 traditional and price-impact stores under the Save Mart, Lucky, FoodMaxx, S-Mart Foods and MaxxValue Foods banners in California and northern Nevada.
