By George Anderson
Since 1977 when the first store opened, it has been impossible to bring up Save-A-Lot without mentioning the company's founder Bill Moran.
Now, Mr. Moran is retiring from the company and, for the first time in its history, Save-A-Lot will be identified without its founder in the sentence.
Jeff Noddle, chairman and CEO of Save-A-Lot's parent company Supervalu, said in a press release, "Bill Moran has been the visionary force for Save-A-Lot and the industry. He has guided Save-A-Lot's emergence as a national chain with more than 1,100 stores open from coast to coast. His unswerving focus and sound, ethical business practices have made Save-A-Lot a model of exceptional grocery retailing."
The person picked to fill Mr. Moran's shoes is Bill Shaner, a Supervalu veteran of more than 20 years. He has served the company in a variety of positions, including president of Supervalu's former division in Maryland division and president of the grocery wholesaler's Central region.
Mr. Shaner has been with Save-A-Lot since 1999 and has the confidence of the company founder.
Calling Mr. Shaner "a great leader for the next phase of Save-A-Lot," Mr. Moran said the company he founded "has a strong future and complements Supervalu's multi-format retail portfolio with its innovative merchandising programs including the integration of general merchandise, expansion of produce offerings, successful consumer awareness programs and the banner's licensee remodeling program."
Moderator's Comment: When a company has been closely associated with a single individual, does the organization lose something when that person leaves? Bill Shaner has been with Save-A-Lot since 1999. What changes, if any, do you expect to see at the chain with him in charge? - George Anderson - Moderator