ShopRite was founded in 1946 when a group of New Jersey grocers complained to a Del Monte representative that they were having a difficult time getting reasonable wholesale prices. The rep suggested that they form a co-op. Seven of the grocers did and launched what was originally called Wakefern Foods. The name was changed to ShopRite in 1951.
When other markets were offering green stamps or blue stamps, Shoprite decided to cut their prices by 10% instead. This move proved to be very successful. By 1961, ShopRite had more than 70 members and more than $100 million in annual sales.
Today, the company has locations in 6 states and is the largest food retailer in New Jersey and New York. In 2015, the company acquired 13 A&P locations after the company filed for bankruptcy.
