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Carry a small reminder of southeastern Michigan grocery history with this Chatham Supermarkets double-sided keychain charm. The company began with the Weisberg family’s 1947 purchase of Chatham Village Supermarket, then expanded from nine stores in 1963 to a reported 44 by 1980. Chatham’s changing formats, including Chatham Plus and Pak-n-Save, reflect an era of supermarket growth and experimentation. It makes a meaningful keepsake for Detroit-area history fans and collectors of regional retail stories.
Chatham was a supermarket chain headquartered in southeastern Michigan. The Weisberg family, already active in the grocery business, bought Chatham Village Supermarket in 1947. By 1963, the name had shortened to Chatham and the chain had grown to nine stores on Detroit’s East Side. Peter Weisberg was president and board chairman, with other family members in executive roles. The company had 24 stores by August 1968 and became the first company in the Michigan area to test the Universal Product Code in 1975. In 1980, it was believed to be the region’s second-largest supermarket chain, with 44 stores and about $550 million in sales, though its private ownership meant those figures could not be confirmed. Its operations also included three Warehouse Way discount drugstores, a Chatham Plus superstore, and Pak-n-Save, a warehouse store opened that year. Chatham Plus and a meat-processing plant were later described as failed ventures; the plant, opened in 1966, closed in January 1979. Nu-Trax, Inc., led by Wendell Smith, bought Chatham in May 1985. Alex Dandy bought Nu-Trax in March 1986. After most stores closed, Chatham filed for bankruptcy in 1987. Dandy was convicted of multiple offenses in 1991.
Chatham Supermarkets Double-Sided Keychain Charm
$4.99
Sale price
$4.99
Regular price
Carry a small reminder of southeastern Michigan grocery history with this Chatham Supermarkets double-sided keychain charm. The company began with the Weisberg family’s 1947 purchase of Chatham Village Supermarket, then expanded from nine stores in 1963 to a reported 44 by 1980. Chatham’s changing formats, including Chatham Plus and Pak-n-Save, reflect an era of supermarket growth and experimentation. It makes a meaningful keepsake for Detroit-area history fans and collectors of regional retail stories.
Chatham was a supermarket chain headquartered in southeastern Michigan. The Weisberg family, already active in the grocery business, bought Chatham Village Supermarket in 1947. By 1963, the name had shortened to Chatham and the chain had grown to nine stores on Detroit’s East Side. Peter Weisberg was president and board chairman, with other family members in executive roles. The company had 24 stores by August 1968 and became the first company in the Michigan area to test the Universal Product Code in 1975. In 1980, it was believed to be the region’s second-largest supermarket chain, with 44 stores and about $550 million in sales, though its private ownership meant those figures could not be confirmed. Its operations also included three Warehouse Way discount drugstores, a Chatham Plus superstore, and Pak-n-Save, a warehouse store opened that year. Chatham Plus and a meat-processing plant were later described as failed ventures; the plant, opened in 1966, closed in January 1979. Nu-Trax, Inc., led by Wendell Smith, bought Chatham in May 1985. Alex Dandy bought Nu-Trax in March 1986. After most stores closed, Chatham filed for bankruptcy in 1987. Dandy was convicted of multiple offenses in 1991.
Product features
- Acrylic construction with white base and double-sided print
- Compact size ~3.15" x 1.57" (8 x 4 cm); measurements may vary up to 1"
- Includes metal ring and short chain for secure attachment
- Durable, lightweight—made for everyday carry
- Manufactured product sourced from China; intended for adult use
Care instructions
- Clean with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid any chemicals.