Save Mart Pullout Could Doom C&S Facility: Reports

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The decision by Save Mart Supermarkets to self-distribute to its Food Maxx warehouse stores may force C&S Wholesale Grocers to make major cutbacks at its distribution facility here, including a possible shutdown, according to published reports and SN discussions with local sources.

Modesto, Calif.-based Save Mart had been buying dry groceries, meat, produce and health and beauty care items for its warehouse stores from C&S since the Keene, N.H.-based wholesaler took over several former Fleming distribution centers in Northern California in 2002. However Save Mart reportedly did not re-sign with C&S; instead it has apparently been filling orders from its own warehouse facilities, including two it acquired two years ago from Albertsons LLC.

Spokespeople at Save Mart and C&S could not be reached for comment yesterday. However, published reports said C&S has indicated it may have to eliminate close to 400 of 420 jobs at its facility here.

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