Established
1916
Franchise Units
100
Minimum Investment
$1,500,000
Franchise Fee
Inquire
Total Investment Range
$5,000,000
Home Based
No
Description
For more than a century, Piggly Wiggly has stood as one of the most recognizable and trusted names in American grocery retail. Known as the original self-service grocery store, the brand revolutionized how Americans shop for food—introducing aisles, shopping carts, and price transparency long before they became industry standards.
Today, Piggly Wiggly continues to thrive as a community-focused supermarket franchise, combining hometown values with modern retail systems, advanced supply chains, and data-driven merchandising. With a strong presence across multiple U.S. states—particularly in the Midwest and Southern regions—the brand appeals to value-conscious shoppers seeking quality groceries, local products, and dependable service.
As consumer demand for neighborhood grocery stores and essential retail remains strong, Piggly Wiggly offers franchise investors a proven, recession-resilient business model supported by decades of operational expertise, brand loyalty, and scalable systems. For entrepreneurs looking to own a cornerstone business in their community, this franchise represents stability, heritage, and long-term growth potential.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Investing in a Piggly Wiggly franchise means aligning with a brand that has already earned trust across generations. Grocery retail is one of the most stable sectors in franchising, driven by recurring customer demand and essential everyday purchases.
Key investment advantages include:
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Iconic Brand Recognition – A household name with deep roots in American retail history
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Essential Retail Category – Groceries remain in demand regardless of economic cycles
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Community Loyalty – Strong local engagement and repeat customer base
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Flexible Store Formats – Adaptable footprints for rural, suburban, and small-city markets
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Multiple Revenue Streams – From fresh produce and meat to private-label products and local sourcing
Background
Background Information
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Established Year: 1916
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Founder: Clarence Saunders
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Industry Category: Grocery & Supermarket Retail
Piggly Wiggly was founded in Memphis, Tennessee, and permanently changed grocery shopping by introducing the self-service model. This innovation allowed customers to browse shelves independently, reduce labor costs, and improve efficiency—an approach that became the global standard.
Over the decades, the brand expanded nationwide and evolved into a franchise-based and cooperative ownership structure, enabling independent operators to run locally owned stores under a nationally recognized banner.
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Franchise Active Units: 100+ locations across the United States
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Market Presence: Strong footprint in the Midwest and Southeast, with expansion opportunities in underserved regional markets
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Ownership Model: Independent franchise operators supported by regional cooperatives and standardized brand systems
Support Training
Franchisees receive comprehensive support designed to help them launch, operate, and grow a successful grocery business.
Pre-Launch Support:
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Site selection and store planning assistance
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Store layout, design guidance, and equipment planning
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Vendor sourcing and initial inventory setup
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Licensing, compliance, and operational readiness support
Training Programs:
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Operational training covering inventory control, shrink management, and store operations
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Financial management, pricing strategies, and margin optimization
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Hiring, staff training, and workforce management
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Food safety standards and regulatory compliance
Marketing & Ongoing Support:
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Regional advertising programs and promotional planning
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Weekly ad development and merchandising calendars
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Loyalty initiatives and community marketing strategies
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Ongoing field support, performance benchmarking, and system upgrades
Ideal Candidate
The ideal franchisee is a hands-on operator or experienced investor with a strong interest in retail management and community engagement.
Best-Suited Candidates:
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Entrepreneurs with grocery, retail, or multi-unit management experience
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Operators with strong leadership and team-building skills
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Investors seeking a long-term, stable business with recurring revenue
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Individuals passionate about serving local communities
Investment Capability & Mindset:
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Ability to manage higher-scale retail operations
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Commitment to brand standards and cooperative systems
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Willingness to be actively involved or oversee a professional management team
Location Preference:
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Small to mid-sized cities and suburban markets
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Communities seeking reliable, locally focused grocery options
Financial Detail
| Financial Component | Estimated Details |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $1,500,000 – $5,000,000 |
| Minimum Investment | Approx. $1,500,000 |
| Franchise Fee | Cooperative-based / varies by region |
| Store Size | 10,000 – 50,000+ sq. ft. |
| Real Estate & Leasehold Improvements | $600,000 – $2,000,000 |
| Equipment & Fixtures | $400,000 – $1,000,000 |
| Technology & POS Systems | $50,000 – $150,000 |
| Initial Inventory | $300,000 – $800,000 |
| Marketing & Grand Opening | $25,000 – $75,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 months) | $150,000 – $300,000 |
| Royalty Fees | Competitive, cooperative-structured |
| Advertising / Marketing Fees | Regional & cooperative programs |
| Estimated Break-Even Period | 3 – 5 years |
| Expected ROI | Stable long-term returns |
| Potential Annual Revenue | Market-dependent, multi-million dollar range |