When you think of grocery shopping, especially in certain parts of the country, a familiar name often comes to mind: Harps Food Stores. It’s more than just a place to pick up your weekly essentials; it’s a business with deep roots, a story of family, and a commitment to the communities it serves.
Harps isn't just one brand. While the flagship Harps stores are well-known, the company has strategically expanded its reach by operating under several other banners. You might find yourself shopping at Food4Less in southwest Missouri, where they operate under a license from Kroger. In Tulsa, Oklahoma, Harps manages CashSaver and 10Box Cost-Plus, alongside Warehouse Market. Further south, in Louisiana and Mississippi, they also operate stores under The Markets name. This multi-brand approach allows them to cater to diverse customer needs and preferences across different regions.
But Harps’ reach extends beyond just groceries. They’ve also ventured into home improvement, operating franchises of Ace Hardware in Charleston, Arkansas, Jay, Oklahoma, and Dexter, Missouri. It’s interesting to see how a grocery company has diversified, offering a broader range of services to its customers.
Behind the scenes, the smooth operation of these stores relies on a strong supply chain. Harps Food Stores is supplied by Associated Wholesale Grocers, based out of Kansas City, Kansas. This partnership ensures that shelves are stocked and customers can find what they need.
Looking at the scale of the operation, as of 2020, Harps Food Stores employed around 5,300 people and was valued at approximately $550 million. These are significant numbers, reflecting a substantial presence in the retail landscape.
The story of Harps Food Stores begins with Harvard and Floy Harp, who founded the company back in 1930. Like many family businesses, it started small, with a vision and a lot of hard work. The next generation soon joined the ranks. In the early 1950s, their eldest son, Don, came aboard. By 1964, the business had grown into a small chain with the opening of its second store in North Springdale. The 1960s saw Gerald and Reland, Harvard and Floy’s other two sons, also join the family enterprise. Following Harvard’s passing in 1968, Don stepped into the role of CEO and president, guiding the company through its continued growth and evolution.
