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A proudly Canadian business, here’s how Sobeys Inc. has grown from a small meat delivery business in Stellarton, Nova Scotia to more than 1,500 stores across the country.

Scroll across to see Sobeys Inc. grow through the years to become the iconic Canadian company it is today.

1800s

1800s

William Sobey, a member of Britain’s Royal engineers is stationed in Halifax where he meets and marries Janet MacIntosh of Pictou County in 1862.

1876

history seventisix

After returning to England, the Sobeys come back to Nova Scotia to stay — along with their seven-year-old son, John William (J.W.).

1907

Image displaying J.W.Sobyes with horse drawn cart.

After moving to Stellarton, Nova Scotia, J.W. starts a meat delivery business. With a horse-drawn cart, he purchases and collects livestock from local farmers for resale.

Read More

With the history of Sobeys Inc. comes the history of its parent company, Empire, and more. Click through to any of the pages below to gather further information about the Canadian superstore, Sobeys.

An image of a Sobeys teammate assisting his customer in buying fresh vegetables.

Our Stores and Businesses

An image of fruits in store

Fast Facts

An Image of some freshly produce fruits.

Sustainable Business Report