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Information About

Amigo Supermarkets





BEGINNINGS

''Supermercados Amigo'' were opened by Jose A. Marti Fuentes . During the company's formative years, it operated small supermarkets across the island; these would be located at small strip malls. Many towns in Puerto Rico had multiple ''Supermercados Amigo'' locations.


THE TRANSFORMATION

After the Grand Union and Coop Supermarket s companies ceased operations in Puerto Rico, ''Amigo'' began plans to become a major player in Puerto Rico's supermarket industry. In 1989 , they opened their first major store, located at Plaza Del Carmen Mall , in Caguas . Subsequently, many other major stores were opened across Puerto Rico. A massive Television campaign began, and their slogan, ''Amigo, lo mejor al mejor precio'' (''Amigo, the best at the best prices'') became a household phrase in Puerto Rico.


ECONOMICAL PROBLEMS

Amigo ran into serious economical problems in the 1990s , most of them having to do with employee salary. As a consequence, the company began losing money. There were several Strike s, and these received wide media attention.


WAL-MART

In July of 2004 , American retail giant Wal-Mart took over Supermercados Amigo.