The image above is a photo of the Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company during its early operations. The Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company, also known as the A&P stores, was one of the prominent stores during the growth of national chains. The company was founded in 1859 by George Hunting Hartford and George Gilman in New York City.

As the economy grew, an expanding market was formed and demanded mass production, distribution and marketing of goods. A major factor in the distribution of goods and name-brand goods were chain stores. The chain stores would expand their stores all over the nation, and helped distribute goods nationally. A&P expanded their market by purchasing smaller businesses and chains, and A&P stores still can be found all over the nation today.