Locally and employee-owned Price Cutter Supermarkets, based in Springfield, Mo., has finalized its purchase of Summer Fresh Supermarkets, also based in Springfield, and assumed control of the chain’s eight Summer Fresh stores and two Save-A-Lot banners in Missouri.
“The days leading up to Thanksgiving are some of the busiest for supermarkets and it was imperative the transition in ownership be seamless for both Summer Fresh shoppers and associates. I’m pleased to report this has been the case and thank all involved for their support,” said Erick Taylor, president and CEO of Price Cutter Supermarkets.
“I especially want to praise the community leaders in the towns where Summer Fresh has stores. They have graciously welcomed us and assisted our staff with the transition,” he added.
Price Cutter has a well-established history of supporting the communities where they operate stores, embracing causes that focus on hunger relief, education and health and human services.
Marshfield, Mo., Summer Fresh store director, Jeff Wingo, agreed the ownership transition has gone smoothly, indicating all stores were well prepared to take on one of the busiest shopping weeks of the year.
“Our stores are all fully stocked and our associates eager to assist shoppers with their purchases. The mood at the stores is positive and upbeat,” Wingo said.
A team of Price Cutter associates visited Summer Fresh stores earlier this month and invited the associates to join the employee-owned company.
Shoppers can expect products under the Best Choice and Always Save labels to remain as Price Cutter purchases these items from Associated Wholesale Grocers, as did Summer Fresh. Over the years, these brands have become household favorites, providing quality products at value pricing.
Taylor acknowledges that offering products at competitive prices is extremely important to most shoppers.
“We recently expanded our warehouse to increase our buying power so as to provide customers with better prices on dry goods, frozen products and dairy items,” he said. “I’ve challenged our buyers to aggressively seek truckload deals from our suppliers, now that we have expanded storage capacity. Obviously this means big savings will be passed through to our shoppers. Summer Fresh customers will enjoy greater savings on items as a result.
“The acquisition of the Summer Fresh stores is truly a win-win for everyone,” Taylor added. “Shoppers will continue to engage with the same friendly and helpful Summer Fresh associates, many of whom they’ve likely known for years. They will enjoy more diverse products and services, such as freshly prepared meals, ideal for today’s busy lifestyles. And our enhanced buying power should result in greater savings at checkout.
“Summer Fresh associates will enjoy the benefits of being associated with an employee-owned company. There is empowerment and pride that comes from knowing we’re all in this together and the daily contributions we each make are strengthening our company and positioning it for continued growth and success.”
