Piggly Wiggly

Piggly Wiggly is a well-established supermarket chain with deep roots in American retail history. The company was founded in 1916 by Clarence Saunders in Memphis, Tennessee, where it introduced the country’s first self-service grocery store. This innovation changed the way people shopped, allowing customers to pick out their own groceries from shelves instead of relying on clerks, and set the standard for modern supermarkets.

As of November 2023, Piggly Wiggly operates 503 stores, primarily across the Southeast and Midwest. The brand’s footprint includes states such as Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, Wisconsin, and Tennessee. The company functions as a franchise-based network, with stores independently owned and operated, and receives supply chain and operational support from its parent company, C&S Wholesale Grocers, which has owned the brand since 2003.

Over the past five years, Piggly Wiggly has focused on expanding into underserved markets, especially in smaller cities and towns that lack full-service grocery options. The company’s approach emphasizes flexibility in store formats, allowing each location to adapt to the needs of its local community. This adaptability has supported steady growth and helped the brand remain relevant as consumer preferences and market conditions have evolved.

Piggly Wiggly’s stores often serve as important retail anchors in their communities, offering a comprehensive range of grocery products. The company’s franchise model supports both scalability and local engagement, making it a reliable presence in neighborhood shopping centers. Its ongoing expansion, particularly in priority markets like Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, Wisconsin, and Tennessee, reflects a commitment to growth and a proven ability to adapt to changing retail landscapes.