supermarkets operating co. and general super markets (another subgroup within wakefern) merged in 1966 to become supermarkets general corporation, with perlmutter as president. supermarkets general operated 75 shoprites across connecticut, delaware, new jersey, new york, and pennsylvania by 1966, with annual sales of about $420 million. supermarkets general achieved high volume by opening large stores in densely populated areas and keeping prices low on both nationally branded-goods and private-label items.