top of page

History

January 2015 <<<

Team members use mobile devices to ensure quality. Imperial continues to fulfill its enduring mission as The Performance Leader.

Today-Distribution-Center2015.jpg

Voice-pick technology increases efficiency and improves service. Imperial supports over 3500 retail stores and expands its reach to the Mid-west and South.

Headset2015.jpg

 >>> January 2000

Imperial’s new showroom facilitates the development of customized assortments, promotions and retail pricing strategies.

Distribution-Center2000.jpg
Warehouse-Price-Scan2000.jpg

Electronic ordering system enhances accuracy and productivity. Imperial doubles its customer base to 2000 retail locations with 20,000 SKUs.

January 1980 <<<

The warehouse expands and technology advances to improve customer service.

Warehouse1980.jpg

Imperial increases its Non-Food offerings across categories and supplies its first chain supermarkets.

Store-Aisle1980.jpg

 >>> January 1960

Imperial builds its new facility in Auburn, MA and adds general merchandise to its broadening assortment.

Auburn-MA-Truck1960.jpg
Michael-at-Desk1960.jpg

Frank Sleeper’s son, Michael, joins Imperial in 1964 and becomes its president in 1973.

January 1950 <<<

Frank Sleeper does it all!

Frank-Sleeper-Sweeping1950.jpg

Imperial trucks deliver and service the company’s first supermarket customer, Grand View Market, on Stafford Street in Worcester, MA.

Imperial-Truck-1950.jpg

 >>> January 1940

Imperial introduces patent medicines and beauty care products into grocery stores.

Imperial-Shelf1940.jpg
Storefront-Sign1940.jpg

Imperial Drug Co. opens its first warehouse on Winter Street in Worcester, MA.

January 1930 <<<

Using a garage as his first warehouse, Frank Sleeper establishes Imperial...and his role as a pioneer of grocery Non-Foods.

Frank-Sleeper-in-Woods1939.jpg

In the 1930s, Frank Sleeper sells assembled first aid kits door-to-door. The inspiration for Imperial is born.

First-Aid-Kit1939.jpg

Send us snail mail.

150 Blackstone River Road
Worcester, MA 01607

Question? Call Us.

508-713-6500

bottom of page