The history of grocery stores in the United States dates back to the early colonial period when European settlers relied on local markets, general stores, trading spots, and small farms to obtain provisions they could not produce or source independently. Over the years, some family-owned stores have maintained their original spirit while others have evolved into complex institutions with a wide range of local and imported products, services, and sales strategies as we know and experience them today.

American retail began with small, local stores offering a limited product range. Shoppers would communicate with one or more clerks, separated by a counter, to inquire about products and convey their preferences. The store owner or their staff would be the sole trustworthy source of information about the origin, nature, and price of the goods, and they would be responsible for displaying, weighing, portioning, and packaging the loose goods. Social factors such as religion, race, gender, and social status would likely influence and shape the interactions between the store staff and the customers.

As the country evolved in its cultural diversity and global outreach, and entered its industrialized phase, there was a growing opportunity for new and more efficient shopping experiences. The early 20th century saw the introduction of a wide range of pre-packaged, shelf-stable, refrigerated, and frozen foods. This significantly transformed how Americans shopped and their relationship with food, contributing to the modern retail landscape.

“The growth of large-scale retail has also led to an increase in the distance from which food is sourced, which has diluted our understanding of the origins of our groceries.”

The first supermarket, Piggly Wiggly, opened in Memphis, Tennessee in 1916. This store, founded by Clarence Saunders, introduced and patented the concept of self-service shopping, offering mostly pre-sized and packaged food, eliminating the need to interact with others to get what you need. Customers could browse through aisles, select their desired products, and bring them to a checkout counter. This innovation sped up the shopping process and gave customers a new sense of autonomy and satisfaction.

Following the success of Piggly Wiggly, other supermarkets quickly adopted and expanded upon Saunders’ innovation. The 1930s saw the emergence of chain supermarkets like Safeway and A&P, which capitalized on economies of scale to offer lower prices and a wider variety of products. These stores introduced new practices such as shelf price labeling, product advertising, and shopping carts, further enhancing the customer experience.

In the post-World War II era, supermarkets continued to evolve, incorporating technological advancements to streamline operations and improve customer service. The introduction of computerized inventory management, barcode scanning, and electronic payment systems in the latter half of the 20th century revolutionized retail efficiency and accuracy. These innovations allowed supermarkets to manage more extensive inventories, reduce costs, and offer a broader selection of goods.

Modern retail has brought many benefits to the American population, such as convenience, variety, and affordability. As of 2021, the U.S. food and grocery retail industry employed 2.89 million workers and generated $880 billion in sales, with major players like Walmart, Amazon, Costco, and Kroger leading the market. The sector boasts over 63,000 stores nationwide, reflecting its extensive reach and importance.

The growth of large-scale retail has also led to an increase in the distance from which food is sourced, which has diluted our understanding of the origins of our food. As a result, it has become increasingly challenging for the average person to find clear answers to fundamental questions such as who created it, its geographical origin, the production process, and the philosophy behind it.

Today, the average grocery store carries over 39,000 items, and the median size of a U.S. grocery store is almost the size of a football field. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of online grocery sales, which now account for over 10% of food grocery sales. While this shift has improved convenience and access in underserved areas, it has also created a greater disconnect between consumers and their food source.

The evolution from local markets to modern supermarkets has prioritized efficiency and cost reduction, often at the expense of supply chain transparency and education.

In this special edition of Global Retail Brands magazine produced by Certified Origins, with the invaluable support and contribution from a number of world-class food experts, we will explore the importance of understanding where our food comes from and how reconnecting with the origins of our nutrition can lead to better choices, a more sustainable future, and resilient economies.

Join us in understanding more about the history, the present, and the future of food and uncovering the stories behind the ingredients that fuel our health and happiness.

Giovanni Quaratesi

Giovanni Quaratesi is the Head of Corporate Global Affairs at Certified Origins, leading the company’s communication strategies and public relations. His mission is to be an ambassador for good food and to empower others to create positive change in the food system.