FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Modesto, CA. (February 20, 2024) – The Save Mart Companies announced today Chris Hooks has joined the company as chief merchandising and marketing officer. With more than 25 years of extensive experience in grocery retail, CPG/private brand, wholesale, dollar, and discount food industries, Chris immediately enhances the organization’s executive leadership and their growth and innovation priorities.
“Understanding customer cohorts, their dynamic need states, and how to best anticipate and fulfill those needs are our top strategic priorities,” said Shane Sampson, executive chairman of the board, The Save Mart Companies. “Chris’ breadth of knowledge and experience will accelerate our ability to grow and innovate our business, attract and retain customers, and be great partners to our suppliers and associates.”
Chris brings more than 25 years of extensive grocery experience spanning conventional grocery, discount retailing, and private label at leading companies such as HEB, Family Dollar, and Topco with career highlights of EVP and Chief Merchandising Officer at Save A Lot, SVP of Consumable Merchandising at Family Dollar, and EVP at Topco Associates for Center Store, Fresh, Strategic Sourcing, Supply Chain, Marketing, and Brand Development. Prior to joining Topco, Chris held leadership positions at Blue Ocean Innovative Solutions, SUPERVALU, and spent 11 years at the HEB Grocery Company in Merchandising, Marketing, and Store Operations.
About The Save Mart Companies
The Save Mart Companies, a Kingswood Capital Management, LP portfolio company and a California-based grocer, operates 194 Save Mart, Lucky, and FoodMaxx stores in California and Western Nevada. In addition to its retail operation, the Company also operates SMART Refrigerated Transport and is a partner in Super Store Industries (“SSI”), which owns and operates a distribution center in Lathrop, and the Sunnyside Farms dairy processing plant in Turlock. Proud to be California’s largest regional, full-service grocery chain, the Company and its 13,000 associates take extra care to provide customers with the freshest foods for their families at affordable prices. For more information on the company, please visit: www.TheSaveMartCompanies.com.
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