G.C. Murphy Company

The G.C. Murphy Company was a company operating variety stores and discount department stores in the United States. Founded in 1906, the company's business was at first primarily focused on its chain of G.C. Murphy variety stores. In 1959, the company acquired Southern variety chain Morgan & Lindsey, eventually converting its stores to the Murphy name in 1978. Around the same time, the company also acquired Texas-based junior department stores Terry Farris, Bruners, Cobbs, and Bargain World.

In 1970, the company introduced its first discount department stores under the Murphy's Mart brand. Over a decade and a half, Murphy's Mart grew to over 100 stores, making up the majority of the company's revenue. Murphy's was ultimately acquired by Ames in 1985, with Murphy's Marts being converted into Ames stores and other locations being sold to McCrory's.