When planning to open a grocery store, the age-old adage “location, location, location” couldn’t be more accurate. A grocery store’s available locations are a major factor in whether or not it thrives. One wholesale chain that has successfully navigated the world of strategic locations is Save A Lot. As a result, the Save A Lot team has some crucial factors for you to consider when choosing the perfect area for your store.Â
Explore Urban Areas
Urban areas are excellent locations for grocery stores due to their high population density. These areas offer a diverse customer base and often have limited affordable grocery options available. At Save A Lot, we recognize the tremendous potential of urban locations; our licensees can cater to the specific needs of the urban population by offering quality products at budget-friendly prices.
Empower Rural Communities
Residents of rural communities often face difficulty accessing affordable groceries due to their remote locations. Sadly, many rural communities are home to low-income residents, which worsens their food access problems. Opening a Save A Lot store in these areas would provide affordable and convenient shopping options to those in need. As a Retail Partner, you can become a lifeline for residents and foster a sense of community.
Combat Food Deserts
Food deserts are areas where residents have limited access to fresh, healthy, and affordable food. These areas are often underserved by conventional grocery stores, leading to unhealthy diets and related health problems among residents. Opening a Save A Lot grocery store location in a food desert can benefit the community while creating a thriving business for you.Â
Recognizing the urgency of addressing food deserts, governments have implemented various incentives to encourage businesses to bridge this gap. Entrepreneurs, like those considering opening a Save A Lot grocery store wholesale location, may qualify for financial support such as tax incentives, grants, and subsidies specifically designed to promote the establishment of accessible and affordable food options in underserved areas. In addition to these financial benefits, some jurisdictions offer streamlined regulatory processes and zoning incentives to facilitate the setup of grocery stores in food deserts. By taking advantage of these governmental initiatives, not only can you contribute to community well-being, but you can also position your venture for success by tapping into the support available for businesses dedicated to enhancing food accessibility and promoting healthier lifestyles.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Location
When selecting your Save A Lot store’s location, there are several factors you should consider, such as the following:
The Dual Role of Visibility and Accessibility in Store Location
Visibility and accessibility are twin pillars when deciding on a location for your Save A Lot store. A site with high visibility can draw in more customers, while an easily accessible location amplifies the customer convenience factor. Areas near main roads or those offering ample parking are particularly beneficial.
Prioritizing Community Engagement
Community engagement is highly valued at Save A Lot, so we encourage our Retail Partners to become integral parts of their communities. You can do this by choosing a location where the store can actively participate in national programs and charitable partnerships. This way, investing in a Save A Lot allows you to build a successful business using a time-tested model while providing an opportunity to make a positive impact in the community.
Our Grocery Store Requirements
While prior industry experience may be helpful when investing with Save A Lot, it is not a requirement for our licensing opportunity, as we are here to help you get your store up and running successfully! These are the attributes we look for in our Retail Partners:Â
- An interest in the discount grocery industry
- A commitment to establishing a thriving business
- Enthusiasm about customer service and serving their community
- An openness to learning and adopting the Save A Lot approach
Additionally, the cost to open a Save A Lot grocery store varies depending on factors such as the size of your store, the lease agreement, your store’s location, and more. As a potential Retail Partner, you’ll be required to have a net worth of $1 million and liquid assets totaling $300K, and we’re willing to work with alternative financing options.
Save A Lot licensees have a net worth of around $1 million and liquid assets totaling $300K. We are willing to work with outside financing, whether through a business partnership or third-party financing.Â
Your grocery store’s success will be closely tied to your choice of location and understanding the unique characteristics of the market you’re entering. Targeting key markets like the ones mentioned above can increase your chances of running a profitable store that serves your business goals and the community’s needs. Remember, when it comes to grocery stores, it’s all about location, location, location!
If you’re interested in starting your own grocery store with Save A Lot, contact us today for more information on our brand, and we’ll get you started!