Save Mart And Lucky Stores Get Rid of Their Pharmacies

The Save Mart Companies announced this week they are shutting down all in-store pharmacy departments and moving those services to Walgreens. 

Modesto, California-based Save Mart operates 89 full-service pharmacies, according to its website. 

The move comes nearly six months after Los Angeles-based private-equity firm Kingswood Capital Management acquired The Save Mart Companies. The retailer operates approximately 200 stores throughout California and Northern Nevada under the banners of Save Mart, Lucky California and FoodMaxx.

“I’m excited for this opportunity with Kingswood to invest in and grow The Save Mart Companies family of stores," CEO Chris McGarry said in a statement at the time. 

Despite the closures, Save Mart said the company values its pharmacy staff and the service they have provided to patients.

"Save Mart and Lucky pharmacy staff will work closely with their patients to make this transition of services as convenient and seamless as possible," the retailer said in a statement. 

Walgreens has expressed interest in hiring as many Save Mart and Lucky pharmacy staff as possible, the company said. 

“We remain committed to serving our local communities in health and wellness for all their grocery needs, as well as further developing our innovative technologies and tools that enhance the lives of our associates, customers and communities we serve,” the company said in a statement.