History of Sobeys
Sobeys is one of Canada’s largest grocery retailers, founded in 1907 in Stellarton, Nova Scotia, by John W. Sobey. Initially a small meat delivery business, it expanded into a full-fledged grocery store in the 1920s under the leadership of John’s son, Frank H. Sobey. Over the decades, the company grew steadily, acquiring smaller grocery chains and modernizing its operations. By the mid-20th century, Sobeys had established itself as a dominant player in the Atlantic Canadian market before expanding across the country.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Sobeys continued its growth by acquiring various supermarket chains, including IGA in 1998, which significantly increased its presence nationwide. The company also diversified its retail operations, introducing new store formats such as FreshCo and Sobeys Urban Fresh. In 2013, Sobeys made a major acquisition by purchasing Safeway Canada, further strengthening its position in the western provinces. Today, Sobeys operates under its parent company, Empire Company Limited, and remains a key competitor in Canada’s grocery industry, with thousands of stores across the country.