In 1859, The Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company, better known as A&P, was created. As we reach the time period in Jazz, the store had grown to be the largest grocery store/food retailer in the country. The store is now known as being “Walmart before Walmart.” Up until 1965, A&P was the largest retailer, period.
In the beginning of Jazz, an important theme to think about is the future. The city, along with the “citysky” show to be signs of growth and a better future for African Americans. In the beginning, Page 7 to be exact, it was mentioned that a colored man was offered a job as a clerk at an A&P.
Just thought it was an interesting piece of history that Morrison chose to include in her work. Also, this was the first time I have heard of this store, and unfortunately I wont be able to shop at one, because as of 2015, all A&P stores closed, ending a 156 year retail business and tradition.