The Washington times., 1929-10-24
MARK f 7 T:
. BYSPEC|AL
SALES

In the fall Of 1859, the foun.
der Of the A. & P. chain,
George Huntington Hartford,
opened his first branch ON
Vesey Street, in New York.
At that early date, mass retail
ing, the operation Of several
stores under one ownership,
was unheard of.
Hartford, motivated by q desire
to operate several stores, and to
make these stores unique In that
they would show but little profit
for every dollar passed over the
practically unknown in that age,
launched his commercial venture.
This was two years before the civil
war. in an era Of strife and serious
political controversy. In 1861, his
business venture felt the pressure
Of prevailing money shortage and
the restraining influences Of war.
Continued Work
Undaunted by conditions, Hart.
ford continued his work, bringing
branch after branch into existence
to meet with the approval of cou at-
less Thousands OF families who
found in these stores a new type Of
service, good merchandise and
values Of genuine merit.
The chain store idea, of which Mr..
Hartford was the founder. has
rooted itself deep into the hearts
OF the American public and today.
after SO years Of business life
marked by continual progress, the
Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea
Company Is grocer exemplar to al.
most every State in the Union.
Canada Is now under development
by the Atlantic and Pacific chain
and stores are being opened at
close intervals. in Quebec and On
tar1o. Here, as in the United States,
Atlantic and Pacific Is meeting
the same reception and fine patron.
age as that accorded stores in other
communities where new branches
appear.
In the early days Of the com.
pany's history. the line of mer-
chandise handled consisted mainly
of teas, coffees. baking powders and
spices. Later. other grocery items
| were added to the stocks. Today.
people of Washington know the
| Atlantic and Pacific Stores as dis
| tributors Of nationally known and
locally famous brands Of merchan.
disc.
| John A. Hartford, O son Of the
founder Of the Atlantic and Pacific,
Is now president. In recent wears,
| the company has been divided into
SIX divisions, each Of which has
its own executive board
Son Carries On
Officials believe that the growth
Of the Atlantic and Pacific orEaniza-
ton may be attributed to the loyalty
and integrity of It's employees.
| Promotions are made through
selecting store managers for supre.
vtsing positions in the field. Each
employe has an equal chance for
promotion. Opportunities for success.
In the company are numerous.
Free insurance is given to avery
member Of the organization after
six months' service, regardless OF
position. Additional insurance may
be obtained at a nominal cost. Pre-.
ferred and common stock Is issued
to all employees in the service of the
company two and five years, re.
spectively. thus affording each
worker an opportunity to share in
| the profits.
There is q spirit Of friendliness
existing in ths organization which,
officials believe makes for content.
ment among all employees.
Several years ago an organiza.
ton among the store managers was
formed at the suggestion of the
officials of the company. This
organization has reached such pro-
portions that today A. & p. Man.
ayers Benefit Association has
branches throughout the greater
part of the United States. This
association holds monthly meetings,
at which the members discuss va
rious business problems and ex-
change ideas. Members of the
association who become i'll are en-.
titled to receive a monetary sick
harnfIt