Piggly Wiggly
proper name

- an American supermarket chain operating in the American Southern and Midwestern regions

Wiki

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PHRASE ORIGIN

Founded in 1916 by Clarence Saunders in Memphis, Tennessee, Piggly Wiggly was the first self-service grocery store in the United States. By the 1920s, there were over 1,200 Piggly Wiggly stores in operation, making it one of the largest and most recognizable supermarket chains in the country.

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FROM CLERKS TO CARTS

Before Piggly Wiggly, grocery shopping was a vastly different experience. Customers would hand their shopping lists to clerks who would gather the items from the shelves and bring them to the counter. This process was time-consuming and often resulted in long queues and frustrated customers.

Recognizing the need for a more efficient and convenient shopping experience, Clarence Saunders introduced the concept of self-service, where customers could browse the aisles and select their own items. To facilitate this, he implemented a number of groundbreaking innovations. One of the most notable was the introduction of shopping baskets, allowing customers to easily carry their selected items as they moved through the store. This simple addition made a significant difference in the shopping experience, empowering customers to take control of their own purchases.

Another key innovation of Piggly Wiggly was the use of price tags on each item. Prior to this, prices were often negotiated with the store clerk, leading to inconsistent pricing and potential for manipulation. By clearly displaying prices, Saunders brought transparency to the shopping process and eliminated any ambiguity or confusion.

Piggly Wiggly also introduced the concept of organized store layouts, with clearly defined sections for different types of products. This made it easier for customers to navigate the store and find what they were looking for. Additionally, Saunders implemented the use of shopping carts, allowing customers to easily transport larger quantities of groceries.

The chain introduced many practices that are now considered standard in the retail world, such as weekly sales and promotions, loyalty programs, and the use of store-brand products.

Today, Piggly Wiggly continues to operate as a successful supermarket chain, albeit on a smaller scale compared to some of its competitors. While the number of stores has decreased over the years, the brand still holds a special place in the hearts of many Southerners and Midwesterners. The company’s distinctive logo, featuring a pig surrounded by a circle, has become synonymous with quality and affordability.

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LINGUISTIC NOTE

Please don’t confuse Piggly Wiggly with “higgledy-piggledy” which means “in a confused, disordered, or random manner” see OWAD 2021-09-02: https://acesse.dev/YeByr)

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SMUGGLE OWAD into a conversation, say something like:

“There are 504 PIGGLY WIGGLY stores in 18 U.S. states — the state with the highest representation is Alabama, with 105 stores.”

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