The self-service grocery was followed by the first supermarkets. Early models were somewhat larger than the standard 1,000 square foot grocery and offered items at discounted prices. The idea was to make money not so much by large profits made on individual items but from smaller profits garnered by selling en masse...or on a much larger scale.
The Smithsonian Institution has recognized New York City's King Kullen chain as "America's first supermarket." The first store opened, in the Queens borough, on August 4, 1930. Michael J. Cullen's 6,000 square foot units set a new standard in the industry. Five criteria were met; self- service shopping, discount pricing, individual departments, chain marketing and volume dealing. On-site parking was also provided for customers.
At first, King Cullen's retail rivals -such as A & P, Kroger and Safeway- balked at the adoption of the supermarket-style store. However, a severe economic depression necessitated their acceptance of the price-based format.
Long Island, New York's King Kullen chain was another merchandising maverick of the early 20th century. The first store, seen here, opened its doors in August 1930. It was located in the Jamaica neighborhood of New York City's Queens borough. The building had previously housed an auto repair garage.
Photo from https://kingkullen.com
-Circa-1935-
-Circa-1950-
A mid-century King Cullen store holds its official grand opening. In 1932, there had been eight operational stores. Fourteen were in service in 1938. The chain had grown to thirty locations by 1952.
Photo from https://kingkullen.com
Here, we see the check-out lines at a mid-century store. Early King Kullen units encompassed between 5,200 to 6,400 square feet. By the 1950s, stores fell within the 10,000 to 15,000 square foot range.
Photo from https://kingkullen.com
In the 21st century, the King Kullen chain is still family-owned. The company oversees twenty-seven stores...all on Long Island. The corporate headquarters in located in Hauppauge (Suffolk County), New YorkGraphic from King Kullen Grocery Company, Incorporated
