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1113 Article

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Supermarkets, as we know them today, originated in the United States in the early 20th century. The first true self-service supermarket, Piggly Wiggly, opened in 1916 in Memphis, Tennessee, founded by Clarence Saunders. Before this innovation, grocery stores typically operated as traditional shops, where customers would ask clerks to gather items for them.

Ultra Beauty located in Mundelein, Illinois USA November 14th 2023; Shutterstock ID 2407637983
Ultra Beauty located in Mundelein, Illinois USA November 14th 2023; Shutterstock ID 2407637983
Austin, TX, USA - 30 May 2024 - A sign in a Target retail store to advertise lower prices; Shutterstock ID 2527461317
Austin, TX, USA - 30 May 2024 - A sign in a Target retail store to advertise lower prices; Shutterstock ID 2527461317

Piggly Wiggly revolutionized the shopping experience by allowing customers to select items from shelves themselves, which helped reduce labor costs and gave consumers more freedom and control. This model quickly spread across the U.S., and by the 1930s, large chain supermarkets began to emerge.

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