In the grocery and distribution wars, spartan stores is up for the fight. the grocery retailer and wholesaler operates more than 95 michigan retail supermarkets under the banners glen's markets, family fare supermarkets, d&w fresh markets, and vg's food and pharmacy. in addition to selling national brands, the stores offer private-label goods under the spartan, top care, valu time, and full circle brand names. spartan is also a leading grocery wholesaler, distributing 40,000 food and general merchandise items to about 375 independent grocery stores in michigan, indiana, and ohio from its grand rapids, michigan, distribution center. spartan stores was founded in 1917 as a cooperative grocery distributor.