Piggly Wiggly Stores

Piggly Wiggly, established in 1916, has a storied history as America's first self-service grocery store. This article delves into the current market of Piggly Wiggly stores, examining their distribution, the populations they serve, additional services offered, and the strategic implications for retail chain expansion and urban planning.

How Many Piggly Wiggly Stores Are in the USA?

According to xMap’s USA Supermarket dataset, the chain operates approximately 594 stores across 19 states as of 2025, primarily in the Southern and Midwestern regions of the United States. Southern states dominate the network—Alabama, Georgia, and the Carolinas are strongholds.

Distribution of Piggly Wiggly Stores Across th USA

Piggly Wiggly stores are spread across multiple states, with varying store densities based on regional demand, population distribution, and market strategy. For analysis, we classify store locations into High-Density Districts, Mid-Density Districts, and Low-Density Districts based on the number of stores per state.

High-Density Districts (50+ Stores)

These states have the highest concentration of Piggly Wiggly locations, indicating a strong market presence and customer base. The high number of stores suggests significant brand loyalty and demand.

• Alabama and  Wisconsin: 90–123 stores
• North Carolina and Georgia – 61-89 stores
• Mississippi and South Carolina: 50-60 stores

Piggly Wiggly's stronghold in these states can be attributed to a mix of historical presence, consumer familiarity, and strategic location placement in both urban and rural communities.

Mid-Density Districts (10–49 Stores per State)

These states have a moderate number of Piggly Wiggly stores, indicating a presence that caters to specific regions while still allowing room for expansion.

• Louisiana and Tennessee: 20-34 stores
• West Virginia and Florida: 10-19 stores
• Arkansas – 7 stores
• Ohio – 5 stores
• Illinois – 4 stores
• Virginia – 4 stores

These states reflect markets where Piggly Wiggly competes with other major grocery chains. Expansion strategies in these areas may focus on suburban and underserved rural markets.

Low-Density Districts (Fewer than 10 Stores per State)

States in this category have a minimal number of Piggly Wiggly locations, possibly due to competition, regional consumer preferences, or logistical challenges.

Kentucky, Missouri, New York, Texas, and Oklahoma have 1–2 stores each. These locations might serve niche markets or test the feasibility of future expansion. The presence of a single store in states like Texas and New York indicates potential trial markets where Piggly Wiggly is exploring consumer interest.

This distribution shows Piggly Wiggly’s focus on serving local communities rather than competing directly with large-scale supermarket chains in metropolitan areas.

Top 7 Districts with the Highest Piggly Wiggly Store Concentration

Piggly Wiggly has a strong presence in several key counties/districts across the United States, with certain regions showing significantly higher store density. These counties reflect strong brand loyalty, strategic site selection, and consistent demand for grocery services. Below is a table highlighting the top seven counties with the highest number of Piggly Wiggly locations.

Services Offered by Piggly Wiggly Self-Service Grocery Stores

Piggly Wiggly stores provide a range of shopping and convenience services that cater to diverse customer needs. While traditional in-store shopping remains the most common service, a growing number of locations are adopting additional fulfillment options like curbside pickup, delivery, and in-store pickup to enhance customer convenience. Below is a breakdown:

In-store Shopping: The Core Experience

With 401 Piggly Wiggly stores offering in-store shopping, this remains the primary way customers interact with the brand. Shoppers value the traditional grocery experience, where they can personally select fresh produce, meats, and household essentials.

Curbside Pickup and Delivery: Expanding Convenience

A growing number of locations—37 in total—offer curbside pickup and delivery to meet the increasing demand for convenience. Among them, 13 stores provide all three services: in-store shopping, curbside pickup, and delivery. These options cater to busy shoppers who prefer pre-ordering groceries and either picking them up without leaving their cars or having them delivered to their doorsteps.

In-store Pickup: A Hybrid Shopping Option

For customers who want to shop online but still pick up their groceries in person, 51 stores offer in-store pickup. This includes 47 locations that combine in-store shopping with pickup services, allowing shoppers to bypass checkout lines while still having control over their orders.

Dine-In and No-Contact Delivery: A Niche Offering

While not a common service, a few Piggly Wiggly stores provide dine-in and meal delivery options. Two locations offer both dine-in and delivery, and one store extends its services to include curbside pickup and no-contact delivery.

Urban Planning Considerations for Retail Businesses

Urban planners can draw lessons from Piggly Wiggly's distribution strategy:

• Supporting Local Economies: Encouraging the establishment of grocery stores that source locally can boost regional economic development.
• Accessibility: Ensuring that grocery stores are accessible to diverse populations, including underserved areas, promotes equity.
• Sustainable Practices: Incorporating environmentally friendly initiatives aligns with community values and sustainability goals.

Conclusion

As of 2025, Piggly Wiggly's network of approximately 594 stores across 19 states exemplifies a successful community-focused retail strategy. By understanding and catering to the unique needs of the populations it serves and offering additional services that resonate with local preferences, Piggly Wiggly continues to thrive in a competitive grocery market.

For businesses and urban planners alike, the Piggly Wiggly model underscores the importance of localization, community engagement, and adaptability in achieving sustained success.

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