Arthur T. Demoulas Takes Out Ad Thanking Market Basket Customers, Workers, Vendors

By Jason Claffey

Arthur T. Demoulas, who last week gained back control of Market Basket following a bitter, months-long fight with its board, took out an ad in local newspapers this week thanking the grocery chain’s customers, workers and vendors.

“We would like to thank you for your incredible support of Market Basket and your belief and trust in us,” Demoulas wrote in a letter published in the Boston Globe. “We are humbled and grateful for everything you have done and the sacrifices you have made to fight for and preserve our company’s business model and reputation.”

In July, Market Basket’s 25,000 workers staged a revolt, demanding Arthur T.’s return. He was ousted earlier this year amid an epic family feud with his cousin, Arthur S. Demoulas.

Arthur T. said the company’s board retaliated against him for refusing to cut worker compensation.

Many customers boycotted the chain’s 71 stores in northern New England. Stores reopened last week and delivery trucks were dispatched to stock shelves, which have been bare.

Here’s the full text of Demoulas’ thank-you letter:

To our family of customers, associates, and business partners,

We would like to thank you for your incredible support of Market Basket and your belief and trust in us. We are humbled and grateful for everything you have done and the sacrifices you have made to fight for and preserve our company’s business model and reputation. Over the past two months, our fortitude was tested daily, but it was your incredible display of faith and belief in the Market Basket philosophy that constantly gave us strength to persevere. Your actions became an inspiration of hope to people everywhere, and because of this, Market Basket will be back even stronger than ever!

To our cherished customers, thank you from all of our associates and business partners for everything you do in support of Market Basket. We are even more dedicated and committed to provide you with “More for Your Dollar” shopping; where value, service, and quality go hand-in-hand. Over the next few weeks, we ask for your patience and understanding as we work together to restock our warehouses and stores with fresh food offerings.

To our 25,000 associates who have shown the world what Market Basket is all about, you have our deepest gratitude, respect, and appreciation. Together, we will move forward to strengthen Market Basket’s reputation of being a truly great place to shop and work.

To our vendors and business partners, thank you for your support, patience, and commitment to our customers and company. Together we look forward to forging even strong business relationships to best serve our customers.

On behalf of all of us at Market Basket, we want to sincerely thank our customers. Some may say welcome back, but we think it’s more fitting to say, Welcome Home! Market Basket is in the people business first, and we look forward to serving you and your families for many years to come.

We are customers. We are associates. We are vendors. We are Market Basket!

With heartfelt gratitude,

Arthur T. Demoulas

Photo credit: WHDH