EXHIBIT 24A
 
                   SUPERMARKETS GENERAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
    The undersigned, a director of Pathmark Stores, Inc. (the "Company"), a 
Delaware corporation, which intends to file with the United States Securities 
and Exchange Commission, under the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act 
of 1934 (the "'34 Act"), as amended, each year an annual report on Form 10-K, 
or such other form appropriate for the purpose, pursuant to Section 13 or 
15(d) of the '34 Act, together with possible amendments thereto, constitutes 
and appoints JOSEPH W. ADELHARDT and MARC A. STRASSLER, and each of them, 
severally, as true and lawful attorney or attorneys, with full power of 
substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, to 
sign in any and all capacities and file or cause to be filed said Annual 
Report on Form 10-K, and any and all amendments thereto, and all instruments 
necessary or incidental in connection therewith, and hereby grants to the 
said attorneys, and each of them, severally, full power and authority to do 
and perform in the name and on behalf of all intents and purposes as the 
undersigned might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming the 
acts of said attorneys and each of them.
 
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand and seal 
this 18th day of April, 1997.  

                                         /s/ Matthias Bowman
 

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                                         MATTHIAS BOWMAN