History of the Supermarket

Super Markets and chain food stores

The early super market beginnings has gone a long way since the early 20th century.  My timeline knowledge of it is brief but I hope is informative.

1912 - Self-service Stores

It begins in 1912, and in the US.  Although assistants served their customers in all the shops, in this particular year it was told that two self-service stores were opened in California, US.  This was followed by a chain of self-service grocery store.

1916 - American Piggly Wiggly Stores

In 1916, the first stores to have a check-out counters was the Piggly Wiggly Stores located in Memphis, Tennessee This was owned by Clarence Saunders. Apparently, this shop was fairly small by today's standard.


1930 - Supermarket Food Store

From the perspective of size, the first store regarded as the real supermarket was in 1930, one located in Long Island, US, owned by Michael Cullen. It was called King Kullen Food Store.



Resource:

Kenneth Ireland's Who Invented, Discovered, Made the First..?, Ravette Books, 1988, UK