Why I’m big on the Pig
I’m just back from Memphis Tennessee, home to three pioneers, Elvis, Sun Studios and Piggly Wiggly. I love Piggly Wiggly. The stores are long past their heyday but their lasting impression still thrives.
Founded in 1916 by Clarence Saunders, it was the first true self-service grocery store. Saunders even patented this concept in 1917. Because customers could choose products directly from four aisles showcasing 605 items, packaging and brand recognition became important. Choice was important to consumers, narrowing choices became important to companies.
Before Piggly Wiggly, shoppers gave lists to clerks who gathered the goods for them. With a basket of goods, the shopper continued to a cashier corral. No doubt met by the first Star Magazine.
Self-service brought choice. Choice brought brand. Brand brought brand agencies. So, thanks Piggly Wiggly for giving me a job.
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Apparently the Piggly Wiggly chain was the first chain to have ATMs on site as well. They were doing some pretty groundbreaking stuff.
Hi Marcelle
That sounds eerie. Piggly Wiggly stores are an age of innocence representation of the American south. They hold a sweet spot for a lot of folks who remember small towns and simpler times.
Legend has it the founder, Clarence Saunders, was on a bus ride through the country when he saw a little pig working to get under a fence. His bum was high in the air, hence Piggly Wiggly. It's worth noting though, Saunders was evasive about the meaning. I think he liked the attention.
I walked into a Piggly WIggly in the United States last summer (Geoargia, Atlanta, maybe) and they were closing it down. People not working there were in aisle taking old food away. no lights were on. Looting I call it. I walked in and no one told me to go away. It was apocolyptic. Now I wonder about people in the UNited states and why they would call name to Piggley WIggly for their food stores.
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