History of Your Independent Grocer

As a member of National Grocers' network of supermarket retailers, Your Independent Grocer shares a proud heritage in the Canadian marketplace.

1925: National Grocers opened its first warehouse in Northern Ontario. The warehouse consolidated the distribution systems of 34 wholesale grocery firms, which served to reduce duplication of distribution among stores in Northern Ontario.

1929: This was a time when many National Grocer retailers enjoyed growth:

Red & White stores were created when locations were sold to managers who shared common programs and warehousing. Red & White stores prospered in the post World War II era.

Lucky Dollar Food Stores had been operating nation-wide but were franchised by National Grocers in certain areas.

Maple Leaf stores were launched to give even smaller merchants an opportunity to advertise and produceretailing plans.

1950's: Super Save Markets came into being, because many large operators throughout Ontario felt the need for a group that would allow them to pool buying power and advertising efforts.

1960's: National Grocers became part of the George Weston Group of companies, and then later a subsidiary of Loblaw Companies Limited. Ok Economy Supermarkets were also introduced.

1980's: Valu-Mart and Freshmart franchise stores were created. They primarily served rural communities and provided unprecedented quality and freshness in traditional five department stores.

1990's: Your Independent Grocer franchise locations emerged providing customers in suburban communities with a one stop shopping experience. Business expanded to more than just groceries, to include seasonal items, outdoor furniture, magazines, and Health and Beauty care items.

Today: Your Independent Grocer operates 50 one-stop-shop-supermarkets throughout Ontario predominantly in northern Ontario, Sudbury, and Ottawa. Stores now offer a multitude of services - Drycleaner, Photolab, Flower Market, DRUGStore Pharmacy, Kloz for Kids, Deal Zone, and no fee daily banking provided by President's Choice Financial.