RESIDENTS who rely on Save-A-Lot’s low prices and convenient location are worried and surprised after the chain announced an abrupt closure sooner than first disclosed.
The grocery store, which became a cherished fixture in the community over the last two decades, is now closing its doors for good – and earlier than initially planned.
Save-A-Lot in Lancaster, New York is shutting its doors for good, and weeks before residents were told the location would actually close[/caption]
The chain announced the closure on Facebook just one day prior to the date[/caption]
The location in Lancaster, New York was originally slated to shut down on September 9.
But on Friday, the store announced on Facebook that it will now cease operations in just one day on Saturday, August 31.
In a heartfelt message, the Save-A-Lot team expressed their gratitude to the Lancaster community for their support throughout the store’s 22-year tenure.
“It is with a heavy heart that we have changed our closing date,” the post read.
“We regret to inform you that we will be permanently closing the doors this Saturday, August 31st.”
“We want to thank the residents of Lancaster for all of their support over the past 22 years, and it was a pleasure to serve the community.”
“Please visit our nearest location at the corner of French and Union in West Seneca,” the store said.
Although comments were turned off on the post, the unexpected closure comes as a blow to many residents.
Many Lancaster residents relied on the store for affordable everyday needs.
There are plenty of other grocery options in the area, especially a short drive away in Buffalo.
However, Buffalo’s Save-A-Lot location was also closed down over the summer.
The chain has been on the path of downsizing the presence of its 800 stores across the country, even selling off its remaining corporate-operated locations to Leevers Supermarkets in a 2023 deal.
This leaves residents stuck going out of their way – and their pockets – to get another nearby grocery destination, either Tops or Aldi’s, which are more expensive and less convenient for locals.
In fact, the Lancaster Save-A-Lot has long been a staple for affordable groceries and has held a special place in the hearts of local shoppers.
“I don’t understand,” one shopper told local NBC affiliate WGRZ-TV.
“It’s going to hurt the community people that live in Lancaster, people who live in Depew, because they are all used to coming here and buying things,” she explained.
How to cut the cost of your grocery shop
BELOW are some tips on how to reduce the amount you spend on groceries.
- Write yourself a list – Only buy items that you need. If it isn’t on your list, don’t put it in the trolley
- Create a budget – Work out a weekly budget for your food shopping
- Never shop hungry – You are far more likely to buy more food if your tummy is rumbling
- Don’t buy pre-chopped veggies or fruit – The extra they’ll charge for chopping can be eye watering
- Use social media – Follow your favourite retailers to find out about the latest deals
- Be disloyal – You may want to go to different stores to find the best bargains
- Check the small print – It’s always worth checking the price per kg/lb/litre when comparing offers so you’re making a like for like decision as a bigger box won’t necessarily mean you get more
- Use your loyalty cards – Don’t be afraid to sign up to them all. They all work slightly differently – work out what bonus suits you better and remember to trade in your points for additional rewards
“It’s a lot cheaper than going to Tops or going to Wegmans or anywhere else and it’s a lot cheaper for them to come here and go shopping,” she said of people from outside towns like Depew.
The Lancaster Save-A-Lot’s closure also raises concerns about the impact on local employment.
Many of the store’s employees, who have become an integral part of the community, will now face uncertainty regarding their future.
It is not clear if the company has any plans to relocate employees or offer support.
