Sharpe’s Through the Years

1960s

• Transition to Campbellford: After years in Toronto, Bruce Sharpe closed The Sharpe Market in York Township, seeking a quieter life. Bruce and Marian Sharpe became founders of the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG).

• Founding the Campbellford Store: In 1962, they bought the former Campbellford Arena site, investing in the town with an additional grant for a new community centre. They relocated with their children and officially opened The Sharpe Market in Campbellford on May 8, 1963.

• Store Features: The modern supermarket included 5,100 square feet, parking for 60 cars, wide aisles, and advanced refrigeration units. Initial promotions included affordable prices on essentials like stewing beef for 49¢/lb and Maple Leaf bologna for 25¢/lb.

1970s

• Rebranding: In 1974, The Sharpe Market rebranded as Sharpe’s $uper $ave, and later expanded with a second location in Havelock.

• Recognition: In 1978, the store received the National Dairy Council of Canada Award for promoting Canadian cheese.

1980s

• Growth and Innovation: The Campbellford store expanded to 11,000 square feet and introduced the Bag-O-Mat, a device for custom bagging. In 1985, it was renamed Sharpe’s Food Market.

• Leadership Transition: Bruce Sharpe passed away in 1985, with his sons John, Steve, and Tom taking over. The store continued expanding and won the Foodland Ontario Retailer Award in 1989 for promoting Ontario foods.

1990s

• Store Renovations and Awards: Significant renovations in 1991 updated various departments, and the store won the CFIG Award of Merit in 1992 and the Gold All Season Foodland Ontario Retailer Award in 1996. That year, Sharpe’s Food Market joined the IGA chain, becoming Sharpe’s IGA.

2000s 

The 2000s marked a period of expansion, recognition, and a return to the store’s roots as an independent grocer. Here’s a look at the key events and achievements from this era:

• 2001 Expansion: In response to growing demand, Sharpe’s Food Market expanded its retail space by 5,000 square feet, bringing the store to a total of 25,000 square feet. This allowed the store to offer an even wider range of products and services, enhancing the shopping experience for the Campbellford community.
• 2004 IGA Retailer of the Year Award: As Sharpe’s IGA, the store was awarded the IGA Retailer of the Year Award, a prestigious accolade recognizing excellence in various aspects of grocery retail. This award acknowledged Sharpe’s commitment to community involvement, employee development, innovative merchandising, IGA brand support, and effective marketing.
• 2007 – Return to Independence: In the fall of 2007, the Sharpe family decided to leave the IGA chain and return to their roots as an independent grocer, rebranding the store once again as Sharpe’s Food Market. This move allowed the family more freedom to operate in alignment with their vision and values, emphasizing their dedication to local and community-focused business practices.
• 2007 CFIG Diamond Achievement Award: In the same year, Sharpe’s Food Market received the CFIG Diamond Achievement Award, recognizing their success as an independent grocer and their continued contributions to the industry and community.
• 2009 Arnold Rands Heritage Award: As a testament to the store’s longevity and family ownership, Sharpe’s Food Market received the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG) Arnold Rands Heritage Award. This award is given to a multi-generational grocery store that has been family-owned for at least two generations and has been in the same community for over 35 years. This award celebrated Sharpe’s enduring impact on Campbellford and its dedication to family and community values.
• Marian Sharpe’s Lifetime Achievements: During this time, Marian Sharpe was recognized for her significant contributions to the independent grocer community. She became the only surviving founding member of the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG), cementing her legacy in the grocery industry and in Campbellford.

The 2000s were a decade of growth and strategic transformation for Sharpe’s Food Market, marked by a return to independence, expanded capabilities, and numerous industry recognitions. This period laid the foundation for continued success in the years to follow, establishing Sharpe’s not only as a beloved community store but also as a model for independent grocers across Canada.

2010s at Sharpe’s Food Market

The 2010s were a decade of accolades, community service, and family legacy for Sharpe’s Food Market. Here’s a snapshot of key moments during this era:

• CFIG Awards: Throughout the 2010s, Sharpe’s Food Market consistently competed for and received the prestigious Canadian Independent Grocer of the Year Award, a recognition by CFIG for excellence in retail, customer service, and community impact. This award emphasizes the store’s commitment to high standards in customer experience, freshness, space utilization, and cleanliness.
• 2011: Sharpe’s Food Market was inducted into the CFIG Hall of Fame and awarded the CFIG Platinum Achievement Award. This honor reflected the store’s enduring legacy of quality service and innovation, solidifying its reputation as a top independent grocer in Canada.
• 2012: Steve Sharpe was awarded the Champion’s League Award from the Ontario Disability Employment Network. This award recognized his leadership and commitment to inclusive employment practices, notably supporting the inclusion of people with disabilities in the workforce.
• 2013, Sharpe’s Food Market was honored with the Bronze Award from the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG). This prestigious recognition celebrates the store’s excellence in retail operations, community involvement, and customer service. The Bronze Award reflects Sharpe’s commitment to maintaining high standards in grocery retail while fostering a welcoming environment for the Campbellford community.
• 50th Anniversary Celebration (2013): To mark 50 years of business, Sharpe’s Food Market hosted a large community celebration, attended by over 1,000 people. The event included live music, a bouncy castle, face painting, and other family-friendly activities, bringing the community together to celebrate half a century of Sharpe’s in Campbellford.
• Community Support and Leadership: Throughout the decade, Sharpe’s Food Market continued its commitment to local charities with its “tape-saver” program, where customers could choose a charity to support simply by placing their receipt in a designated box. Additionally, family members, including Steve and his son Mike, actively served in local organizations such as the Rotary Club and the Chamber of Commerce, exemplifying the family’s dedication to community leadership and service.
• Commitment to Family Values: By the end of the decade, Sharpe’s Food Market employed 89 “food experts,” some with over 30 years of service. Bruce and Marian’s 10 grandchildren had worked or were working in the store, furthering the legacy of a family business deeply rooted in Campbellford.

The 2010s solidified Sharpe’s Food Market as a cherished institution in Campbellford, balancing modern grocery retail with a legacy of community involvement, quality service, and family-centered values. The store’s resilience and continued relevance through the decades have made it a pillar of the local community.

2020 – Today at Sharpe’s Food Market

The recent years have been a dynamic period for Sharpe’s Food Market, with a focus on adapting to changing consumer needs, embracing technology, and deepening its commitment to the Campbellford community. Here’s a snapshot of key developments from 2020 to today:

• Navigating the COVID-19 Pandemic: Like all retailers, Sharpe’s faced unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. The store quickly implemented safety protocols to protect customers and staff, including social distancing measures, enhanced sanitation, and special hours for vulnerable shoppers. Sharpe’s also adapted its operations to meet the increased demand for grocery essentials while ensuring the safety of the Campbellford community.
• During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sharpe’s Food Market in Campbellford, Ontario, collaborated with local volunteers to provide grocery picking and delivery services for vulnerable residents, such as seniors and immunocompromised individuals. Volunteers followed strict health protocols to ensure safe deliveries, allowing at-risk community members to receive essential items without leaving their homes. This initiative underscored Sharpe’s commitment to community well-being during a challenging time.
• Enhanced Digital Presence: Recognizing the growing importance of digital platforms, Sharpe’s Food Market expanded its online presence, updating its website and increasing activity on social media. Through platforms like Instagram and Facebook, Sharpe’s engaged with customers, sharing promotions, community updates, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into store operations. The store also introduced a more user-friendly online flyer to keep customers informed about the latest deals.
• Focus on Local Products and Community Support: With a renewed emphasis on supporting local farmers and producers, Sharpe’s Food Market expanded its selection of Ontario-grown products and locally made goods. This not only offered fresher options to customers but also reinforced Sharpe’s commitment to supporting the local economy and community partners during a challenging period.
• Commitment to Staff and Customer Experience: Despite the pressures of the pandemic, Sharpe’s maintained its focus on staff development and customer service. The store provided additional training for employees, adapted work schedules for flexibility, and emphasized team well-being. With many long-time employees, Sharpe’s continued to deliver personalized service, reinforcing the strong connection with the community.
• Environmental Initiatives: As sustainability became increasingly important, Sharpe’s took steps to reduce its environmental footprint. The store implemented recycling programs, prioritized energy-efficient lighting, and introduced more sustainable packaging options for certain products, aligning with the values of eco-conscious customers.
• Looking Forward: As of today, Sharpe’s Food Market remains family-owned and a cornerstone of the Campbellford community, proudly independent and family-owned. With its deep-rooted values of service, community, and quality,