Founded in 1952, Carter's grew to over 30 stores throughout Michigan's Lower Peninsula, including two in Charlotte.

In 2006, the chain declared bankruptcy, with its remaining stores being liquidated or sold.

[1] A native of Charlotte, Michigan, Theodore had been an employee of the Kroger store in his hometown.

[1] Citing competition from Walmart and regional supercenter chain Meijer, Carter's filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2006, after it was unable to pay several million dollars in debts to its suppliers.

Several were reverted to IGA or sold to Spartan Stores,[5] while the remainder were shuttered.