Supermarket is a large store that sells food and various other products. Supermarkets have a higher volume of sales and a wider selection of products than other types of food stores. Some supermarkets are independent stores, but many belong to networks called chains (see Chain store ).
Supermarkets have changed greatly since they began operating throughout the United States during the 1930’s. Early supermarkets sold only food, offered few services, and displayed merchandise in shipping containers. Today’s supermarkets still sell a variety of food products, including fresh fruits and vegetables, canned goods, dairy products, and frozen foods. However, many also stock auto supplies, cleaning products, clothing, cooking utensils, greeting cards, home furnishings, and other nonfood items. They use shelving and special cases to display products. In addition, many supermarkets have banking and post office facilities, and some offer such services as menu planning and baby-sitting.
Michael J. Cullen is credited with founding the world’s first supermarket. Cullen opened King Kullen Grocery Company on Aug. 4, 1930, in the Queens section of New York City. It revolutionized the grocery business. Cullen’s huge, self-service store allowed customers to purchase a variety of products—not just food—at discount prices under one roof. Within two years, Cullen had opened eight stores, generating millions of dollars in sales. In 1933, William H. Albers opened Albers Super Market in Cincinnati, Ohio. Albers was the first grocery store to use the name supermarket and the first grocery chain to provide grocery carts for customers.
