Looking for ways to stretch the family grocery budget is not new. On June 14, 1967, Stratford was abuzz with the grand opening of its first discount grocery store, Food City. The 15,000-square-foot store was located at 1007 Ontario St.
, near the current site of the Stratford Mall. An article in the Stratford Beacon Herald noted that: “The $1,000,000 Food City and Rite-ay discount store complex at the city’s east end was officially opened this morning, and it looks as though a merchants’ battle has begun. More than 400 anxious shoppers jammed under the canopy at the entrance to the stores as Mayor C.
H. Meier cut the ribbon and commented that $40,000 in taxes will be collected each year from the company ‘to be a great help to you people.’ Mayor Meier said the complex will be a definite asset to the city.
Earlier, the mayor went on a shopping spree at Food City and collected $108 worth of groceries. The food will be given to the Salvation Army for distribution to needy families in the city. President of Oshawa Wholesales Ltd.
, R. G. Melhado, presented a cheque for $1,000 to D.
N. Root, vice-president of the Perth County branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association, and said ‘this will be the first civic donation to the area.’ Inside the store, floor walkers, sales clerks and cashiers prepared for the onslaught of goods grabbing bargain seekers.
” Prior to Food City’s grand opening, they had been advertising their low prices in the Beacon Herald. One ad even .
