Over 600 American grocery stores carry the trademark name Piggly Wiggly, offering patrons services like self-checkout and an extensive selection of merchandise.
Piggly Wiggly locations frequently hire entry-level associates for store clerk jobs. Through hard work and excellent performance, these associates may progress into supervisory or management positions within a store or even go further into management positions altogether. Full-time employees also earn benefits like vacation time and 401(k) retirement plans.
The Story
Piggly Wiggly may be well-known today, yet many don’t realize its fascinating history. This store revolutionized grocery shopping in America and introduced many conveniences we take for granted today.
Clarence Saunders founded the original Piggly Wiggly grocery store in Memphis, TN, in 1916 with his revolutionary self-serve grocery store concept – creating the world’s first self-service supermarket! Customers could shop independently instead of relying on staff assistance – something unheard of at that time! Additionally, open shelves and shopping baskets were innovations introduced into the industry that brought increased convenience for customers.
Saunders was initially told his concept for Piggly Wiggly Corporation would never take off, yet his idea became a national success, with over 600 stores opening across 17 states within three years – becoming part of C&S Wholesale Grocers, now one of the ten largest privately-held corporations (via PR Week).
As for his unique name, Saunders never thoroughly explained how it came about; legend holds that while on a train ride, he saw several little pigs trying to squeeze under a fence and was inspired to write this rhyme.
As well as its innovative approach to grocery merchandising, Piggly Wiggly stores are known for being community-minded and giving back to local charities. Each Saturday evening and Sunday morning during spring and summer weekends, their stores hold Bagging for Bucks fundraisers, during which local sports teams and community groups bag groceries in exchange for donations.
In-store health centers and educational programs promote good nutrition and healthy eating habits, offering free nutritional counseling to anyone interested. Furthermore, its iconic pig mascot, wearing an adorable butcher’s hat yet remaining non-ironic at all times, is beloved by everyone at the store, from its website and TV commercials to store-brand soda. He even makes regular appearances within store locations!
Big on the Pig
Piggly Wiggly was America’s inaugural self-service grocery store, established by Clarence Saunders in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1916 as a revolutionary concept. Now, its charming logo can be found on t-shirts featuring it. This one features the Piggly Wiggly logo in white center front on red fabric, making this unique t-shirt ideal as a birthday, Father’s Day, or Christmas present for fans of this beloved chain of stores and their iconic brand! A funny graphic tee with saying and quote graphic for Husband, Boyfriend, Partner, Pops Pawpaw, or Papi!
I Dig the Pig
People don’t often wear clothing with grocery store logos on it; however, this doesn’t diminish its popularity or make Piggly Wiggly any less well-known – their merchandise can be found both in-store and online, and includes T-shirts, hats, travel mugs, koozies, water bottles, car decals, pot holders, jumbo tote bags and much more – the Piggly Wiggly pig logo can even be found on pot holders!
Clarence Saunders revolutionized grocery shopping for Americans when he opened America’s first actual self-service grocery store, known today as Piggly Wiggly grocery stores across the South and beyond. He even held on to his patent until later.
Southerners adore stocking up their pantries with regional cuisine from The Grocer. This store carries many local products and is an excellent place to find freshly made pimento cheese when farmer’s markets aren’t possible. Additionally, there are plenty of seafood and seasonal items on their selection list – not forgetting their bakery for tasty bread, muffins, cookies, and other sweets!
Piggly Wiggly offers shoppers many hidden treasures not available elsewhere. For instance, their store sells exclusive items such as Southern Pride hot sauce, Zapp’s chips, and Community coffee that you won’t find elsewhere. Plus, their deli serves up cheap lunches and dinners quickly; some stores even provide premade pimento sandwiches!
Piggly Wiggly stores are independently owned and operated; each location of this chain of grocery stores is beloved among their customers for offering significant savings and products at great value.
Are you a fan of Piggly Wiggly? You’ll be thrilled to know they now offer new t-shirts with their iconic logo! Available in blue, red, and white options – whether at their stores or ordered online directly to your home – they make for the perfect additions to any wardrobe! These exciting new offerings can be found both inside the stores as well as online!
I Love Piggly Wiggly
Piggly Wiggly fans rejoice! Piggly Wiggly was America’s first self-service grocery store, established by Clarence Saunders in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1916. Before Piggly Wiggly existed, shoppers would wait in long lines before handing over their list to cashiers, who would then do all the shopping themselves before returning later for checkout – this means many modern shoppers owe much of their shopping habits to Piggly Wiggly folks!
Today, Piggly Wiggly supermarket chains can be found throughout the Southeast. Not only are they excellent sources for everyday essentials like Zapp’s potato chips or King of Pops – but they are also community gathering spaces where locals gather to chat over coffee while purchasing an affordable premade Pimento Cheese sandwich! Many stores also feature convenient delis, offering cheap lunches to-go, dinners, and party trays! Piggly Wiggly grocery stores are truly Southern treasures – show your support with this shirt dedicated to this incredible chain!