This is a list of all chain grocery locations my research has uncovered in Calgary between 1930 and 1991, compiled from city directories, telephone books, and other sources. There may be some omissions due to incomplete or missing data, etc. and I welcome suggestions and corrections. Please read about my methodology for more information about what I do and do not include. I was not able to access city directories between 1953 and 1968; I will update when and if I can.

Access and download the location spreadsheet via Google Sheets.

Store tags:

  • Calgary Co-op
  • Dominion
  • Empress
  • Food City
  • Jenkins Groceteria
  • Loblaws/L-Mart
  • Piggly Wiggly
  • Red & White
  • Safeway
  • Shoprite
  • Super Valu
  • Woodward’s

050307-rw7

Just because the chain is now being discussed on my Message Board, and because I recently dug up these photos I shot during a 2001 visit, here is the former Jenkins’ Red & White store in downtown Zebulon NC.

Red & White, like IGA, was a franchise/co-op chain dating back to at least the 1920s. Its independently-owned member stores nationwide joined in an attempt to compete more efficiently against traditional chains like Safeway and A&P. Eventually, its stores were more likely to be found in small towns, where they were often the only supermarket around.

050307-rw3

I have my suspicions that this store may have started out as an A&P location. I have absolutely no evidence to back this up, only a vague feeling about the sign. I haven’t revisited the area, but I’m told the store closed shortly after I took these pictures.