Dive Brief:
- The Save Mart Companies announced Thursday that it has named Jim Perkins as president and CEO.
- Perkins has been the grocer’s president since 2024 and will now take on the chief executive role following the retirement of Shane Sampson, who led The Save Mart Companies since 2022.
- The Save Mart Companies said in a press release that it plans to open new locations, complete major remodels and expand merchandising assortment across all of its banners this year.
Dive Insight:
Perkins’ promotion makes him the first person selected to serve as chief executive of The Save Mart Companies since the West Coast regional grocery chain became part of The Jim Pattison Group.
The Jim Pattison Group, a Canadian holding company, acquired the retailer from private equity firm Kingswood Capital Management in mid-2024.
As president of The Save Mart Companies, Perkins was responsible for store operations, merchandising and marketing. In the time since he was appointed to the role, Perkins spearheaded “significant operational improvements and customer-focused initiatives,” the grocer said in the announcement.
The Save Mart Companies runs about 200 stores in California, Oregon, Nevada and Washington under the Save Mart, Lucky, FoodMaxx, Roth’s and Chuck’s Fresh Markets names and has more than 11,000 employees. Perkins took over leadership of Lucky in 2004.
The Save Mart Companies noted that its ownership by The Jim Pattison Group gives it access to capital for areas such as technology, formats, loyalty and supply chain improvements.
"[Perkins’] deep understanding of West Coast grocery, proven track record of operational excellence, and dedication to developing people make him the ideal leader to guide this award-winning company into its next chapter,” Ryan Barrington-Foote, president of The Jim Pattison Group, said in a statement.
Perkins indicated that, as CEO, he will champion The Save Mart Companies’ ties to the communities where it operates.
