When Emory Zehr and sons Lester and Clifford opened the first Zehrs store in Kitchener, Ontario, in July 1950, they had one overriding philosophy - put yourself in the shoes of every customer who comes through the door. That emphasis on customer service, along with a policy of offering "good value at a low price," proved a winning formula. More than 50 stores and over half a century of service later, Zehrs is today one of Southern Ontario's most successful retail grocery chains.
Loblaw Companies acquired Zehrs Markets in 1963. Zehrs Markets continues to operate as a significant contributor within Loblaw Companies which operates all across Canada.
Loblaw Companies Limited (Public: TSX: LCL) is the largest food retailer in Canada, with over 1,400 supermarkets operating under a variety of regional banners, including the namesake Loblaws. LCL is headquartered in a new, 37,000 m2 office tower located in Brampton, Ontario. Loblaw encompasses 1,036 corporate and franchised stores, 376 associate stores and 4,692 independent stores.