Save A Lot and Yellow Banana, a retail grocery platform that owns and operates Save A Lot locations, are reopening six remodeled stores in different neighborhoods across Chicago.
The six stores have undergone extensive interior and exterior renovations, highlighting Save A Lot’s and Yellow Banana’s commitment to provide access to fresh, affordable groceries while supporting the local economy and community.
First to reopen was the 420 South Pulaski Road store on Sept. 6. The openings of 10700 South Halsted St., 2858 East 83rd St., 7240 South Stony Island Ave., 7908 South Halsted St. and 4439 West 63rd St. will take place later this fall. The renovations include new flooring, lighting, equipment, HVAC systems, dairy and meat cases, paint, décor, fixtures and signage.
The completion of the project to reinvigorate the Save A Lot brand in Chicago is the culmination of a collaboration between Yellow Banana, the city of Chicago and city representatives, including 28th Ward Alderman Jason C. Ervin and 17th Ward Alderman David Moore, as well as community organizations like the Garfield Park Community Council and Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation.
[RELATED: Yellow Banana Finalizes Closing To Invest In Six Save A Lot Stores]
“We are proud to take steps to re-introduce the Save A Lot brand to Chicago by reopening our stores,” said Joe Canfield, CEO of Yellow Banana.
“I’m confident that the investment made to remodel and upgrade these stores will pay off for shoppers, providing a significantly improved customer experience. We’re grateful to the city of Chicago, to the communities around these stores and to Save A Lot for their patience and support throughout this process. We look forward to serving these neighborhoods with pride.”
The temporarily closed stores faced several challenges, including unavoidable delays in construction, equipment setbacks due to supply chain disruptions and utility connection issues following vandalization incidents that left two stores without power for nearly three months. Despite these obstacles and delays, Yellow Banana has continued to pay employees throughout the renovation process and significant progress has been made.
To celebrate the grand reopening of the Pulaski store, Save A Lot and Yellow Banana teamed up with local charity and food pantry Above and Beyond to provide a grocery shopping spree for the people they serve. Save A Lot and Yellow Banana are also hosting six days of giveaways, beginning with a free tote bag of Save A Lot products to the first 100 customers at the Sept. 6 reopening event, as well as a community fair on Sept. 7 with music, balloon art and free food.
“It was important that we took the necessary time and care to remodel the stores in a way that sets the business up for success so we can fulfill the needs of the community for years to come,” said Bill Mayo, chief development officer at Save A Lot. “Save A Lot has a long-standing commitment to supporting its Retail Partners and we look forward to continuing to support Yellow Banana as the stores reopen.”
[RELATED: Save A Lot Joins DoorDash Marketplace For Delivery]
