MODESTO, Calif. — The Save Mart Companies is rolling out Amazon return kiosks across its Save Mart, Lucky and FoodMaxx grocery banners in California and Western Nevada, expanding a pilot program that the company says has boosted both store traffic and sales.
Following a successful test in 15 locations, the grocer said it planned to add the service to 140 additional stores by the end of December, with all remaining locations slated to receive kiosks by February 2026. The expansion comes ahead of the peak post-holiday returns period.
The kiosks allow customers to return eligible Amazon purchases while shopping for groceries, without the need for boxes, tape or shipping labels. Customers scan a QR code at the kiosk, bag the item using supplies provided on-site and drop it off securely. When initiating a return online, shoppers can select Save Mart, Lucky or FoodMaxx as their drop-off location.
“The reality is, returning an item has become a routine part of the online shopping experience, especially after the busy holiday season,” said Tamara Pattison, chief digital officer of The Save Mart Companies. She said completing the rollout ahead of the return rush positions the retailer to offer added convenience to shoppers across its footprint.
Amazon said the partnership extends its label-free, box-free returns network to more communities in the region. “Our customers want flexibility in how and where they return items, and this collaboration with The Save Mart Companies offers them more choices,” said Bryan Puckett, director of worldwide returns at Amazon.
To drive incremental trips and spending, Save Mart said it will soon offer a $5 discount on same-day grocery purchases of $25 or more for customers who use the Amazon return kiosks. Shoppers can redeem the offer by showing their Amazon return confirmation to a store associate or scanning a QR code displayed on the kiosk.
The Save Mart Companies operates more than 200 stores across California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington under several banners, including Save Mart, Lucky and FoodMaxx.
