As a home improvement expert who loves finding great deals to fix up properties on a budget, I was curious what company owns and operates Cash Saver. This popular grocery chain is one of my go-tos when I need to stock up on supplies for flip projects or renovations. The discounts you can find there are amazing!
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll share everything I‘ve learned about the ownership, history, and savings model behind Cash Saver stores.
All About Cash Saver Stores
Cash Saver is a chain of 182 grocery stores located mostly in the Midwest and South. They are owned by a company called Grocery Outlet Inc. based out of Emeryville, CA.
Grocery Outlet Inc. runs an opportunistic buying model, snapping up manufacturer overstock, discontinued items, and short-dated inventory. This allows Cash Saver to acquire name brand products at seriously discounted prices and pass the savings on to shoppers.
I love that I can score national brands at up to 40% off standard supermarket prices. As a bargain hunter, it makes my day when I find a great deal on exactly what I need for my latest project.
During a recent kitchen remodel, I purchased several appliances and hardware fixtures at Cash Saver for way less than big box home improvement stores. Those savings add up, allowing me to devote more of my flip budget to materials and labor.
According to the Krazy Coupon Lady, popular categories where Cash Saver offers the steepest discounts include:
- Fresh produce
- Dairy
- Frozen foods
- Pantry staples
- Beverages
- Health and beauty supplies
The store‘s business model keeps prices low while still delivering excellent customer service. That combination has helped Cash Saver thrive for over 50 years now.
Other Store Brands Owned by Grocery Outlet Inc.
While Cash Saver is its largest chain with 182 locations, Grocery Outlet Inc. also owns two other grocery store brands:
- Bargain Market – 5 stores in MO and IL
- Valu Market – A single location in Sullivan, MO
These stores operate on the same model as Cash Saver – discounted surplus and overstock inventory passed along to customers. Between all three banners, Grocery Outlet Inc. owns 188 stores across 21 states.
History and Growth of Grocery Outlet Inc.
Grocery Outlet Inc. has experienced steady growth for over 75 years to become the business it is today. Here are some key milestones in the company‘s history:
- 1946 – Jim Read and R.P. Herndon open the first Grocery Outlet in San Francisco.
- 1970s – Grocery Outlet expands across California, operating 28 stores by the end of the decade.
- Early 1990s – The first OR and WA locations open, bringing the chain outside California.
- Mid 1990s – Grocery Outlet Inc. acquires the Cash Saver and Big Deal grocery chains.
- 2014 – Grocery Outlet Inc. becomes a publicly traded company on the NASDAQ.
- Today – With 188 stores across 21 states, Grocery Outlet Inc. recorded $2.3 billion in sales in 2021.
Expanding through acquisitions of existing discount grocery chains like Cash Saver helped Grocery Outlet achieve significant growth in a short period. Their sales have increased an average of 13% annually over the last five fiscal years.
How Cash Saver Compares to Competitors
As a home improvement expert, I like to understand the market landscape and competitive environment for any business I‘m researching. Here is how Cash Saver stacks up against some of its main regional grocery competitors:
Homeland
- Around 80 locations in OK, KS, and MO
- Privately owned by the Paris family
- More upscale offering than Cash Saver
- Comparable to large national chains like Kroger or Safeway
United Supermarkets
- 55+ locations in Texas
- Owned by Albertsons LLC
- Conventional supermarket model with higher prices
Piggly Wiggly
- 500+ independently owned franchises
- Primarily located in the Southeast
- Traditional grocer format with higher price points
Cash Saver differentiates itself with consistently low prices driven by its surplus purchasing model. According to Numerator Insights, Cash Saver‘s prices are on average 31.7% lower than regional competitors. That positions them well among bargain-minded shoppers.
The Secret Behind Cash Saver‘s Savings
As a fellow bargain shopper, I wanted to understand exactly how Cash Saver offers such low prices versus traditional grocers. Here is a look at their unique purchasing and inventory model:
- Cash Saver buys up overstock inventory, discontinued items, and products nearing expiration dates.
- Manufacturers and distributors offload this surplus to Cash Saver at steep discounts or cash and carry rates to quickly free up warehouse space.
- This allows Cash Saver to acquire name brand items for 20-50% less than wholesale costs.
- Shoppers see these dramatic savings passed directly on to them at the shelf.
In 2021, 73% of Cash Saver‘s inventory was acquired at substantial discounts versus standard wholesale costs. This is how they consistently undercut competitor pricing by such a wide margin.
Focus on Customer Service
As much as I love scoring amazing deals, I also appreciate friendly service when I shop. Cash Saver balances bargain prices with excellent customer service.
They staff each store with knowledgeable employees who can assist shoppers and answer product questions. Several locations also offer:
- A full-service butcher able to custom cut meats
- Store dietitians available for free nutrition consultations
- Club memberships with exclusive coupons and perks for frequent shoppers
The company motto "Your favorite brands, your neighborhood store" sums up their approach – amazing prices on brand names with a welcoming, local market feel.
Final Thoughts
As a home improvement expert who‘s always seeking out great finds, I‘m a huge fan of Cash Saver‘s discounts on national brands. The company‘s opportunistic purchasing model allows them to acquire inventory at ultra-low costs that they pass directly onto consumers.
For bargain shoppers furnishing properties on a budget, Cash Saver can be a goldmine. And they still manage to provide excellent customer service even while keeping prices incredibly low.
Next time you need quality supplies for a home project or renovation, I definitely recommend checking your local Cash Saver. Just be prepared to find some amazing deals that will make your inner bargain hunter very happy!
