ACME Markets, or Ack-uh-me if you’re from the Philadelphia area, is a tried and true favorite when it comes to grocery store allegiances. Whether or not you’ve had the opportunity to walk down their chilled halls, take a look into their history to see how they became the successful chain they are today:
1891
History was made. Friends Samuel Robinson and Robert Crawford came together to establish the first ACME in south Philadelphia more than 100 years ago in 1891.
1917
A few decades later, Robinson and Crawford made the decision to merge ACME Markets with a number of other Philadelphia-based grocery stores, and thus created American Stores. American Stores became so popular across the Philadelphia region that they even managed to rival New York’s A&P!
1937
The first ACME Store opens in New Jersey.
1942
Even despite the lower gasoline rations as a result of World War II, there were 576 ACME stores in the United States. Founder Robert H. Crawford is killed on July 26, 1942, while fighting overseas.
1950s
ACME acquired property along the Philadelphia Main Line, extending to Wayne, Devon, and later Berwyn and Paoli. An advertisement
1955
Paul J. Cupp becomes president of American Stores, marking the beginning of a new era for the chain.
1958
The second of the founders and first president of American Stores, Samuel Robinson passes away at age 93 on October 26, 1958. Though Robinson had retired years prior to his passing, he had still remained an active member of the board of directors for American Stores, and his presence was greatly missed.
1968
For the first time, ACME achieves the $1 billion mark in annual revenue.
1971
Data processing and computerized information services make their way into ACME operations, including a new financial data reporting system named Operations Information Systems. The “fast response” system was also implemented, and was used for replenishing store stocks and other important features.
1979-1980
The headquarters of the new American Stores is relocated to Salt Lake City, Utah, as the company leads the efforts in expanding their stores to the Sunbelt states. Headquarters for the subsidiary ACME Markets, specifically, however, remain in Philadelphia.
1990
ACME Markets and American Stores part ways, but ACME lives on. Then-president of ACME Markets Robert Neslund was also honored for his efforts in aiding anti-hunger, as that past year had seen a donation of $3.2 million to Philadelphia and the greater Delaware Valley area to do just that.
2006
ACME Markets, along with Jewel-Osco, Star Markets, and the remaining Albertsons stores are sold to SUPERVALU.
Today
Loyal customers continue to patronize the chain, enjoying its fresh foods and friendly atmosphere.