When asked why he chose the name piggly wiggly founder clarence saunders said so people will ask that very question

The Intriguing Origin of Piggly Wiggly: An Engaging Tale

Welcome to an intriguing story behind one of America’s most unique supermarket chains - Piggly Wiggly. Founded by Clarence Saunders in 1916, this innovative store introduced an entirely new way of shopping. The name “Piggly Wiggly” in itself sparks curiosity, leaving many to wonder why Saunders chose such an unconventional name. Well, as Saunders himself famously responded, “So people will ask that very question.” Let’s delve into the fascinating reasons behind this peculiar choice.

Piggly Wiggly was the first true self-service grocery store, revolutionizing the entire shopping experience. Before its inception, grocery shopping involved handing a list to a clerk, who would fetch the items for the customers. But Saunders saw an opportunity to transform this traditional approach.

He envisioned a store where customers could browse through the aisles, selecting their own goods and carrying them in a shopping basket. This novel concept allowed shoppers to explore the store freely and make choices according to their preferences. Gone were the days of relying on clerks to fetch items – Piggly Wiggly provided a new level of convenience and independence.

To accompany this groundbreaking shopping experience, Saunders recognized the need for an eye-catching name. He aimed to attract attention, generate conversation, and make Piggly Wiggly the talk of the town. And he succeeded. The unique and somewhat whimsical name instantly sparked curiosity among potential customers.

Saunders’ strategy worked wonders for his business. People couldn’t help but discuss this new shopping phenomenon called Piggly Wiggly. The name quickly became synonymous with innovation, convenience, and a touch of whimsy. It was a stroke of marketing genius that helped establish the brand and differentiate it from its competitors.

The success of Piggly Wiggly didn’t stop there. Clarence Saunders went on to introduce many other innovative concepts in the world of supermarkets. He patented the first-ever self-serving grocery store, as well as multiple related inventions, including shopping carts and price-marked items.

Today, Piggly Wiggly remains an iconic name in the supermarket industry, representing a pioneer of convenience and customer autonomy. While the peculiar name might still raise eyebrows, it has become a part of American history and a symbol of entrepreneurship and ingenuity.

So, the next time you find yourself pondering the origin of the name Piggly Wiggly, remember Clarence Saunders’ shrewd response: “So people will ask that very question.” It’s a reminder of the power of curiosity and the ability to capture attention.