Stop & Shop celebrates 100 years

QUINCY, Mass. — On Saturday, Sept. 6, The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company celebrated its 100th birthday commemoration at stores throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. 

 

In honor of the anniversary, all stores welcomed customers, served cake and gave out 100th anniversary balloons.

 

Stop & Shop New England president Joe Kelley visited the Somerville store on McGrath Highway to join in the celebration with customers and associates. Founded in Somerville in 1914, Stop & Shop is now one of the most successful grocery retailers today.

 

“We were thrilled to see our customers turn out for the 100th anniversary celebrations,” said Joe Kelley, president of Stop & Shop New England. “For the past 100 years and today, our company is dedicated to serving the community, and we will continue this commitment for years to come.”

 

At the Somerville store, the company awarded a surprise $1,000 donation to William Murphy, the Executive Director for the Somerville YMCA. It was part of the company’s 100 Days of Giving program to support the Y’s commitment to strengthening the lives of individuals and families in the community.

 

“It was a wonderful surprise to hear that the Somerville YMCA was chosen to be a part of Stop & Shop’s 100 Days of Giving program,” said William Murphy, executive director, Somerville YMCA. “It’s an inspiration to our staff and board to be chosen by a community business, such as Stop & Shop, for such a generous donation. We will be utilizing this grant to provide scholarships to underprivileged boys and girls from Somerville and Medford, so they will be able to participate in our youth programming.”

 

Many of the stores hosted other activities — including food samplings, balloon artists and face painting for kids — and five stores had special appearances by New England Patriots alumni and cheerleaders. In addition, all customers who shopped on Sept. 6 and purchased products with their Stop & Shop card automatically were entered into the Stop & Shop 100th Anniversary Patriots Sweepstakes. More than 80 winners will be chosen for Patriots game tickets, signed merchandise and more.