Founded in 1916 by Clarence Saunders in Memphis, Tennessee, Piggly Wiggly introduced the innovative concept of self-service grocery shopping, transforming the retail landscape. This pioneering approach allowed customers to select their own goods directly from store shelves, a significant departure from the traditional clerk-assisted model.
Today, Piggly Wiggly operates over 500 independently owned and operated stores across 18 states, primarily in the Southeast and Midwest regions of the United States. The corporate headquarters are located in Keene, New Hampshire, under the management of Piggly Wiggly, LLC, an affiliate of C&S Wholesale Grocers. The company continues to issue franchises to qualified independent grocery retailers, providing them with support, marketing programs, and a range of promotional items.
Piggly Wiggly distinguishes itself by offering a variety of private-label brands, such as Food Club, Best Yet, and TopCare, delivering quality products at competitive prices. This commitment to value and community-centric service has solidified Piggly Wiggly's reputation as a beloved and enduring brand in the American grocery industry.
Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Piggly Wiggly provides comprehensive training programs designed to prepare employees for their specific roles within the store. Here’s an overview of the training types:
Piggly Wiggly does not offer exclusive territorial protection to its franchisees. This means that franchisees may face competition from other Piggly Wiggly stores, including new franchises or company-owned locations, opening nearby. Such proximity can potentially impact a franchisee's market share and sales.
This lack of territorial exclusivity has led to disputes within the Piggly Wiggly franchise system. Some franchisees have raised concerns about market saturation and encroachment, which can adversely affect their business performance.
These issues underscore the importance for prospective franchisees to thoroughly understand the terms of their franchise agreement, particularly regarding territorial rights and protections.
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