Circa 1994
At this time, A&P still operated roughly a dozen stores in Georgia that would be replaced by sparkling, new 00's Fresh models, like this one in Alpharetta, but were only open a year or two due to a buyout from competitor Publix in 1999.
Did they "inherit" the red dot from Grand Union? Since A&P bought some of the Big Star (which had been owned by Grand Union) stores in Georgia, perhaps that's why they used that in this ad (and, it appears also in the logo)?
ReplyDeleteDon't remember seeing that in any other A&P locations or advertising.
It may have been a carryover from GU to try to keep the shoppers from noticing the obvious change, Lol. Around this time in the Northeast they were using "The Great Store Just Next Door".
DeleteA&P continued the red dot program alongside their Frequent Shopper Card in the Atlanta market. Attempts were made towards the end to do something (Alpharetta and Atlanta's Cherokee Plaza) to fight back, but in April 1999, they announced they would exit the market, selling stores to Harris Teeter, Publix and Kroger and closing the rest.
ReplyDeleteThey were on the Doing More for You/Save! More Ways! ad campaign at the time they pulled out
Thanks for the information as always, John! You've definitely helped me patch a few holes in the fabric of A&P Atlanta.
DeleteI happened to move to Atlanta around the time they began closing. A&P had three decor packages in Atlanta - Green Fresh, Red Fresh (former Big Stars) and 90's Foodmarket (Alpharetta Commons & Cherokee Plaza)
DeleteI got my first bag of EOC at the Delk Spectrum A&P. I've been drinking it now for 21 years now lol
Thanks for the info! I'd love to chat more over email sometime.
DeleteAnd... yes, EOC is quite addictive lol :)