Looks like the Tops name will replace those of P&C, Quality, and BiLo/Riverside after all, according to the Watertown Daily Times, which reported on three stores in the North Country specifically being spared from giving pink slips to employees and displacing shoppers, which was the case with a dozen stores between four states.
Tops in my area was '86ed in '86 for any given reason, being downsizing, or too much competition. Then C-store division Wilson Farms would be their foothold in most of the 315 area code east and northeast of the Finger Lakes Region for another two decades before they too broke away with the help of Wall Street and Madison Avenue. Tops have come full circle.
Renovations and façade changes may be underway in the coming weeks, along with the obligatory grand opening celebrations. Let's say right now, it's one long soft opening! A hotel in Miami didn't have their grand re-opening until seven months time after changing hands, but that's another story!
I'm still waiting to see if the Wild Card will go the way of the P&C Plus, Peter's Preferred Customer and Grand Union Grand Savings cards. I hope Tops can encourage all the doubting Thomases and Wild Card customers alike to sign up for the Bonuscard. I collect these loyalty cards from around this side of the Mississippi, so I was ready to go.
Most locations still have to pass muster with the FTC ministry, which should be with flying colours. The company have analysed and evaluated all the stores they took on. I think we're ready for the next arc of the transition.
Even though the old names have history as I said before, in recent years, the former Penn Traffic chains have been slated in recent years for not being in league with other supermarkets in many respects. Others may be sad to say goodbye to the old guard. Either way, nobody's perfect, but I think the future looks bright for anyone involved with Tops, be it a consumer or employee.
