King Saver brings unique brand to Fremont

FREMONT - An old face is remade with a new unique pricing model, as King Saver — a Midwest-based grocery store — takes over for the Great Scot store at 1308 E. State St. with a grand opening set for Thursday.

King Saver will open its doors 9 a.m. Thursday with aggressive sales and wholesale prices, according to Spokesperson Eric Anderson.

The biggest change, aside from the new name, is how shoppers will see savings, thanks to wholesale prices. When checking out, Anderson said, the total balance due will have a 10 percent add-on fee, though Anderson said with all prices being wholesale, the added 10 percent will still yield big savings.

"That is why you will see some odd-ball prices. It's a price-driven model, that a lot of locally owned grocery stores are using. We've learned they are the lowest prices in the market and we are the first in Ohio with this model," Anderson said.

As an example, Anderson said, a $100 grocery bill will cost a shopper $110, after the 10 percent add-on.

"It all comes down to this being a low-price model," Anderson said. "Even after the 10 percent, there will still be a savings."

Certain items at the store will still be taxed under sales tax, such as paper towels and other non-food items, in addition to the 10 percent.

"Basically anything you chew and swallow is not taxable. Customers will pay the 10 percent and sales tax on taxable items," Anderson said.

With the Thursday opening, King Saver becomes the first to open in Ohio, as the brand currently operates five stores in Missouri and one in Oklahoma.

"Openings are always exciting. We're going to have really aggressive pricing," Anderson said. "Fremont is a very savvy market. The shoppers know the prices, and I think with education, they will understand pricing."

When shoppers enter King Saver they will be greeted by familiar faces as holdover employees from Great Scot will work at the new store.

"It's really only a change of shirt for our employees. They are really excited," Anderson said.

One unique change Fremont's King Saver will have compared to the Missouri and Oklahoma stores is the inclusion of a on-site butcher hand-cutting meats daily, a carryover from Great Scot.

While King Saver is not a household name in Ohio, Anderson said, more stores in the state could be coming as Great Scot — owned by Fresh Encounters, and King Saver — owned by Pyramid Foods — have been partners 12 years.

"We have about three other stores possible coming to Ohio once the Fremont store is up and running," Anderson said.

More Information

King Saver, 1309 E. State Street.

Store Hours

Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Sunday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

cshoup@gannett.com

419-334-0135

Twitter: CraigShoupNH