Big N, a Rochester-based discount mart chain, was a spin-off of Neisner's 5 & 10s.

Graphic from Neisner Brothers, Incorporated

Over the years, stores were often promoted as "The Big N."

Graphic from Neisner Brothers, Incorporated

The very first Big N opened, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, in October 1962. The store, which included fifty departments -but no grocery section- encompassed 68,000 square feet.

Graphic from Neisner Brothers, Incorporated Annual Report 1962

Newer Big N operations often covered 80,000 square feet. By 1968, there were eighteen stores in operation in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Photo from Neisner Brothers, Incorporated Annual Report 1968  

Big N anchored Greater Buffalo's COMO MALL. The complex, which held its grand opening in October 1972, was the first (and perhaps only) mall to include a Big N store.

Photo from Neisner Brothers, Incorporated Annual Report 1973