A History of Gould's

Goulds Supermarket, Inc. opened for business on March 31st, 1971 with 15 employees and 7 aisles. The store measured 10,000 Sq. Ft., and John and Ruth Gould were extremely proud of their creation. John himself acted as the general contractor, giving out individual contracts for such items as the cement work and the refrigeration. All this in the name of saving money, which was extremely tight, owing to the reduction in the amount which the old "Peoples Bank" was willing to give the Goulds. It was said in the board meeting of the bank that month that this was perhaps the "shakiest" loan ever made.

But, with his experience in the United States Marine Corps., the baking business with Spalding Bakeries, and then in the Gennetti Supermarket chain, John lead his small team to eventual success. Ruth ran the office, and kept the checkbook,. Young daughter Debbie (now Debbie Cara, part owner) also helped at the registers as she finished her college work. The store was a member of the IGA system, and lived the "Hometown Proud" motto on its forehead. The motto of "Large enough to SERVE you, but small enough to know you" fit the bill, and continues today.

As the store began to be profitable, the Goulds kept plowing their success back into the store. By March 2003 the building had grown to over 48,000 sq. ft. including the businesses located along the side of the store. On March 7th of that year, John Gould passed at the wonderful age of 89. Just a few short months later, the most recent addition he had approved was completed, and the small "Mom and Pop" store had finally reached 5 times its original size!

Because of changes in supply chain dynamics, the store is now a member of the ShurSave ad group, based in Northeast Pa. The group is now 30 stores strong, and, due to its size and efficiency, offer some of the BEST weekly specials in the entire area!

With Ruth's health somewhat failing, the new team of John and Debbie Cara are now following in "Pop's" well trained footsteps, and continue to improve the store for customers in the Hazleton area, as well as those on the other side of the Nescopeck. With the completion of the new milk cooler, and the restoration of the outdoor ice vendor, they, along with their management team, stand ready to meet the next challenge to improve.

We at Goulds continue to hire the best and brightest young people we can find, offering them training for life and a pleasant work environment. We offer competitive wages, flexible work schedules, and a friendly "first name" work place. Friendships made here with supervisors and fellow employees seem to last a lifetime. Ask anyone who worked for us in their youth.

Always improving has become our battle cry. Even as more and larger stores are erected, Goulds will continue to provide Safe, Fresh, and Wholesome foods to our customers, with low everyday prices, remarkable specials, and service the best in the area.

We know ours, and ours know us. This is how it is with family businesses. We live here, and we intend to make our communities the best they can be. We will raise our children, and our children will raise their children here.

This is the commitment we of Goulds ShurSave make to you: Always Improving!

John and Debbie
Cathy, Ronnie, Bobby, Craig, and Vince