As a result of a corporate merger the Giant Food store in Salisbury which launched in February, 1959 as Super Giant, is no more. The store, under new ownership, is transitioning to an ACME market.
Giant was a very big deal locally when it began operation on South Salisbury Boulevard as evidenced by an estimated 25,000 persons coming to an Open House at the store the day before its opening, and road traffic coming to the store was estimated to be at least 15,000 vehicles that afternoon.
In its early years in Salisbury Giant offered department store merchandise in addition to its grocery items.
(Salisbury Times items below)
January, 1958
February, 1959
(See enlarged reprint below)
(See enlarged insert reprint below)
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Okay, you got me on that one! I remember when Jerry Valliant was mayor up there but not much else except maybe the Oaks Drive In and English Grills. I was young, we were poor and a trip to Salisbury was like a trip to a foreign country for us in those days. Good job on finding these articles.
ReplyDeleteYour friend,
Slim
Thanks Slim. That's one for tk and about 653 for Slim. Look out! Thinking about the 1959 concept of everything under one roof, that compares to Walmart today. Wonder why the "Super" Giant scheme didn't prevail back in those earlier days.
ReplyDeleteSometime just prior to that my grandmother was hospitalized at (then) Peninsula General Hospital. The whole family went to visit but there was a strict policy of no visitors under 12 years of age. While the rest of the family visited my aunt took me to the Junior Board shop. I had a quarter in my pocket, enough for a hot dog (20 cents) and a Coke (5 cents). It was my first hot dog and it was split and grilled to perfection and on a toasted bun. I couldn't believe anything could taste so good!
ReplyDeleteYour friend,
Slim