Associated Food Stores

Associated Food Stores is a retailer-owned grocery cooperative based in Salt Lake City. Its account of the business begins in 1940, when 34 independent retailers joined together to strengthen their buying power. The company supplies warehousing, distribution, logistics and retail support for grocers across the Intermountain West. [1] [2]

That cooperative role differs from a single supermarket chain: much of the work happens before a shopper reaches a store, through purchasing and distribution. Company materials also describe retail operations alongside support for independent stores. Its historical origin explains why collective buying and shared services remain central to the business; older store-count figures are not used here as a current inventory. [1] [2]