Tracing back to the origin of grocery stores, we can state that the first groceries had quite a limited choice of food items to offer to their customers. In the majority of stores, products were fetched by a shop assistant from shelves on one side of the counter, while customers stood on its other side. It should be also mentioned that products didn't come in the individually wrapped packages that are taken for granted today, since such practices were labor-intensive, and hence, considerably expensive. With the invention of self-service groceries, generally known as supermarkets, customers were offered the freedom of choice and more convenient shopping.
 
The first supermarket in the United States opened in New York in August 1930, followed by a number of stores of the kind nationwide.
 
A recognized leader, the Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company dominated the American retail market in the 1930s, boasting some 16,000 stores in the nation, with a revenue of $1 billion. However, the company didn't manage to maintain its position as the largest retailer in the United States. Operated by the company, as of 2005, are 630 stores, located in nine US states and the District of Columbia.
 
Headquartered in Grand Forks, North Dakota, Hugo's Family Marketplace, or simply Hugo's, is the name of a chain of groceries situated in the US states of Minnesota and North Dakota, and supplied by the Nash Finch Company. The first company's store was opened in 1939 in Grand Forks, followed by a number of groceries in Jamestown, Crookston, Thief River Falls, and East Grand Forks.
 
One of the largest US retailers, Albertsons is a supermarket chain that operates under a number of brands, including Osco, Jewel, Acme Markets, Super Saver Foods, Shaw's Supermarkets, Bristol Farms, Max Foods, and Star Market, in addition to Albertsons. Founded in 1939 in Idaho, the company co-operated with Skaggs Companies, Inc. with the aim of creating the first grocery-drug store. Albertsons' predecessor company, the Jewel Companies, Inc., had operated Osco Drug, White Hen Pantry, and Star Markets in the US northeastern states.
 
In 1998, Albertsons merged with American Stores, acquiring the Osco brand name. Currently, the company operates nearly 2,500 stores countrywide and ranks fourth in sales after such companies as Kroger, Costco, and Wal-Mart, according to Supermarket News. In certain areas, it allows customers to do online shopping via its website.
 
Based in North Carolina, Harris Teeter is a chain of supermarkets operating more than 140 stores throughout South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, Florida, and Tennessee, and is planning to add even more stores in Maryland. The company's first store, known as the Harris Super Market, was opened in Charlotte in 1936, and is still in operation.
 
Today Harris Teeter is recognized as the second-largest supermarket chain in North Carolina, with Food Lion being the first one. Since 1969, the company has been a wholly owned subsidiary of Ruddick Corporation. Currently, the company plans new locations that will include stores in Columbia and Ashton, Maryland in late 2006, as well as future expansion to Outer Banks.