Michigan's Meijer ["Miy-ir"] traces its origins to this Greenville, Michigan store. It had opened, as the Northside Grocery, in 1934. By 1936, it was known as the Thrift Market.
Photo from http://www.wane.com
Here we see the first Thrifty Acres. This store format made its debut, in Grand Rapids, in 1962. Although heralded as the first "superstore" in the USA, this distinction should be awarded to Portland, Oregon's Fred Meyer chain, who was operating general merchandise and supermarket combos as early as 1949.
Photo from http://www.wane.com
A snapshot of a contemporary Meijer hyper-mart-type store.
Photo from Wikipedia / " Mrmiscellanious"
Cleveland's Cook Coffee Company formed in 1921. Its business, at the time, involved the operation of a fleet of trucks that delivered coffee, tea and groceries to one's front door. A chain of Pick-N-Pay supermarkets was acquired in 1951.
Graphic from the Cook Coffee Company
The two-unit Uncle Bill's Discount Department Stores chain was brought under the Cook Coffee corporate umbrella in September 1961. It was the first discount mart endeavor by the company.
Drawing from Cook Coffee Company Annual Report 1963
Cook Coffee bought the nine-unit Ontario Stores chain in 1964. It had originated in Loraine, Ohio.
Drawing from Cook Coffee Company Annual Report 1964
An all new division of stores was introduced in 1968. Cooks units included an ample selection of general merchandise, as well as a discount food department.
Drawing from Cook United, Incorporated Annual Report 1969
Stores included hardware, paint, plumbing and other home improvement needs.
Drawing from Cook United, Incorporated Annual Report 1969
The company adopted the Cook United, Incorporated moniker in 1969.
Graphic from Cook United, Incorporated
Photo from Cook United, Incorporated Annual Report 1974
