In 1916, a supermarket business called Piggly Wiggly was established in Memphis, Tennessee. It was the country’s first supermarket and it popularized numerous cutting-edge ideas that are still in use today. But how did Piggly Wiggly get its name?
Clarence Saunders, the chain’s founder, came up with the name Piggly Wiggly. Saunders claimed that he was seeking a name that was memorable and catchy. He desired a name that would be distinctive and easily recognizable. After carefully weighing his options, he chose Piggly Wiggly.
Saunders reported that while observing some pigs wriggle their tails, he came up with the term. He believed that the name was lighthearted and appealing to clients. The name was perfect for a retail brand because it was simple to say and remember.
Piggly Wiggly was an immediate hit, and the business expanded quickly. The largest grocery business in the United States by 1922, Piggly Wiggly had more than 1,200 locations across the country. Over 600 Piggly Wiggly stores are still open today, especially in the southern and midwestern regions of the country.
Although Piggly Wiggly was a pioneer in many areas, it is no longer the most prosperous chain of supermarkets in the US. Walmart today has the largest grocery store network in the nation, according to Forbes, with over $500 billion in yearly sales. Among the biggest and most successful supermarket chains in the US are Kroger and Albertsons.
In conclusion, Piggly Wiggly is a chain of grocery stores that first opened its doors in 1916. Clarence Saunders, the chain’s founder, came up with the moniker Piggly Wiggly because he wanted something catchy and simple to remember. Although Piggly Wiggly was the country’s first supermarket and was responsible for numerous ground-breaking ideas, it is no longer the richest network of grocery stores.