Target vs Piggly Wiggly
A Comprehensive Comparison of Price, Selection, and Service
Target and Piggly Wiggly represent two distinct approaches to grocery shopping in America. Target, a retail giant known for its trendy merchandise and modern stores, has expanded its grocery offerings in recent years. Piggly Wiggly, on the other hand, is a historic chain that pioneered the self-service grocery concept in the early 20th century.
For overall shopping experience and product variety, Target generally outperforms Piggly Wiggly. Target's stores typically offer a wider selection of groceries, household items, and other merchandise in a more upscale environment. Piggly Wiggly focuses primarily on groceries and tends to have a more traditional supermarket feel.
Price-conscious shoppers may find better deals at Piggly Wiggly, especially on staple items. Target often positions itself as a slightly more premium option, though it does offer competitive prices on many products. The choice between these two stores ultimately depends on individual preferences for selection, pricing, and shopping atmosphere.
History and Evolution
Target and Piggly Wiggly have both played significant roles in shaping the American retail landscape. These two chains emerged at different times and evolved through distinct paths to become major players in the grocery industry.
Origins of Target and Piggly Wiggly
Piggly Wiggly pioneered the modern self-service grocery store concept in 1916. Clarence Saunders opened the first Piggly Wiggly in Memphis, Tennessee, revolutionizing how people shopped for food. This innovative approach allowed customers to select their own items, reducing labor costs and increasing efficiency.
Target's story began much later, in 1902, as Goodfellow Dry Goods in Minneapolis. The Dayton brothers acquired the company in 1938, renaming it Dayton's Dry Goods Company. In 1956, they opened the first Target store in Roseville, Minnesota, aiming to create a discount store with higher-end products.
Expansion and Growth
Piggly Wiggly's self-service model quickly gained popularity. By 1923, the chain had expanded to 1,267 stores across the United States. The company's growth was rapid, and its influence on the grocery industry was profound.
Target's expansion was more gradual. The company focused on building a reputation for affordable, trendy merchandise. In 1975, Target became the top revenue-producing division of the Dayton Corporation. The chain continued to grow steadily, opening stores across the country and refining its brand image.
Recent Acquisitions and Brand Evolution
Piggly Wiggly has undergone several ownership changes since its inception. Today, it operates as a franchise, with stores primarily located in the Southern and Midwestern United States. The brand has maintained its focus on local communities and affordable groceries.
Target has made strategic acquisitions to strengthen its position. In 2001, the company acquired Marshall Field's and Mervyn's department stores. Target has also evolved its brand, introducing exclusive designer collaborations and expanding its grocery offerings to compete with traditional supermarkets.
Store Locations and Presence
Target and Piggly Wiggly have distinct geographic footprints that shape their market presence and customer reach. Their store locations reflect different growth strategies and historical roots.
Geographic Distribution
Target operates over 1,800 stores across all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. The retailer has a strong presence in urban and suburban areas, with a focus on major metropolitan regions.
Piggly Wiggly, in contrast, has a more concentrated presence. The chain operates primarily in the South and Midwest, with approximately 530 stores across 17 states.
Target's nationwide coverage allows it to serve a broader customer base. Piggly Wiggly's regional focus has helped it maintain a loyal following in specific areas.
Store Presence in the South and Midwest
Piggly Wiggly's roots in the South have shaped its store distribution. The chain has a significant presence in states like Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina.
In the Midwest, Piggly Wiggly stores can be found in Wisconsin and Illinois. This regional concentration allows the company to cater to local preferences and maintain strong community ties.
Target's presence in these regions is part of its broader national strategy. The retailer has stores in major cities and suburban areas throughout the South and Midwest, often in shopping centers and standalone locations.
Memphis and Beyond
Memphis, Tennessee, holds special significance for Piggly Wiggly as the city where the chain originated in 1916. While Piggly Wiggly no longer has a strong presence in Memphis itself, the company's influence extends throughout the region.
Target has multiple stores in the Memphis metropolitan area, serving the city's diverse neighborhoods. The retailer's expansion beyond traditional grocery offerings allows it to compete with various retail segments.
Both chains continue to adapt their store locations to changing demographics and consumer habits. Piggly Wiggly maintains its focus on smaller markets, while Target pursues a mix of urban and suburban locations across the country.
Store Layout and Design
Target and Piggly Wiggly employ distinct approaches to store layout and design that shape the customer experience. Their strategies for interior aesthetics, store organization, and checkout processes reflect each retailer's brand identity and target market.
Interior Design and Lighting
Target stores feature a modern, sleek design with bright lighting and wide aisles. The retailer uses a mix of white and red throughout the space, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Target's grocery section often incorporates wood-toned fixtures and softer lighting to differentiate it from other departments.
Piggly Wiggly stores typically have a more traditional grocery store feel. Their lighting tends to be less intense than Target's, creating a comfortable shopping environment. Piggly Wiggly often uses green and white color schemes, reminiscent of its iconic logo.
Both chains utilize strategic product placement and eye-catching displays to draw customer attention to promotional items and high-margin products.
Store Size and Navigation
Target stores are generally larger, averaging around 130,000 square feet. This spacious layout allows for a diverse product range beyond groceries. Target employs a grid-like structure with clear signage, making navigation straightforward for shoppers.
Piggly Wiggly locations are usually smaller, focusing primarily on groceries. Their compact size, often under 50,000 square feet, can make for quicker shopping trips. The layout typically follows a traditional grocery store format with produce near the entrance and staples along the perimeter.
• Target: Large format, diverse departments • Piggly Wiggly: Compact, grocery-focused
Checkout Experience
Target has invested heavily in modernizing its checkout process. Many stores offer self-checkout kiosks alongside traditional lanes. The retailer also provides mobile checkout options through its app, allowing customers to skip lines entirely.
Piggly Wiggly's checkout experience varies by location but generally maintains a more conventional approach. Most stores rely on traditional checkout lanes staffed by cashiers. Some locations have introduced self-checkout options to improve convenience and reduce wait times.
Both chains strive to minimize queue lengths during peak hours by opening additional lanes as needed. Target's larger stores often feature more checkout options, potentially reducing wait times during busy periods.
Product Range and Brand Offerings
Target and Piggly Wiggly offer distinct product ranges, catering to different consumer needs. Their approaches to store brands, national brands, organic options, and overall product variety shape the shopping experience at each retailer.
Store Brands vs. National Brands
Target emphasizes its private label offerings alongside popular national brands. The retailer has developed several in-house brands, including Good & Gather for groceries and Market Pantry for pantry staples. These store brands often provide more affordable alternatives to national brands while maintaining quality.
Piggly Wiggly, on the other hand, carries a mix of national brands and regional favorites. Their store brand selection is typically smaller than Target's but still offers budget-friendly options across various categories.
Both stores stock well-known national brands, ensuring customers can find familiar products. However, Target's larger footprint often allows for a wider selection of national brand choices.
Presence of Organic and Specialty Items
Target has made significant strides in expanding its organic and specialty item offerings. The Good & Gather brand includes numerous organic options, catering to health-conscious shoppers. Target also stocks a variety of gluten-free, vegan, and international food products.
Piggly Wiggly's organic and specialty selection is generally more limited. While some locations may carry organic produce and specialty items, the range is typically not as extensive as Target's. Piggly Wiggly focuses more on traditional grocery staples and regional preferences.
Breadth of Grocery and Non-Grocery Products
Target's product range extends far beyond groceries. The store offers clothing, electronics, home goods, and personal care items. In the grocery department, Target provides a wide array of fresh produce, meats, dairy, frozen foods, and pantry staples.
Piggly Wiggly primarily focuses on grocery items. Their stores usually feature:
Fresh produce
Meat and seafood
Dairy products
Frozen foods
Pantry staples
While some Piggly Wiggly locations may carry a limited selection of non-grocery items, their product range is generally narrower than Target's. This focused approach allows Piggly Wiggly to cater more specifically to local food preferences and needs.
Pricing and Value
Target and Piggly Wiggly offer distinct pricing strategies and value propositions. Both stores aim to provide competitive prices, but their approaches differ in terms of product range, store brand offerings, and promotional tactics.
Comparing Prices Between Target and Piggly Wiggly
Target typically maintains mid-range prices across its diverse product selection. The retailer balances national brands with its own store brands like Good & Gather and Up & Up.
Piggly Wiggly, primarily focused on grocery items, often offers lower prices on everyday staples. Their localized approach allows for pricing tailored to specific regional markets.
For fresh produce and meats, Piggly Wiggly may have an edge in some areas due to local sourcing. Target's prices in these categories can vary but are generally competitive.
Budget-Friendly Options
Target's store brands provide budget-conscious shoppers with quality alternatives to pricier national brands. Good & Gather offers affordable groceries, while Up & Up covers household essentials.
Piggly Wiggly emphasizes cost-effective options across its product range. The chain's focus on essential groceries means customers can find competitive prices on staple items.
Both stores offer generic or store-brand alternatives for common household products, allowing shoppers to stretch their budgets further.
Coupons, Discounts, and Promotions
Target's loyalty program, Target Circle, offers personalized deals and cashback rewards. The Target RedCard provides an additional 5% discount on purchases.
• Weekly ad circulars • Digital coupons through the Target app • Clearance sections for deep discounts
Piggly Wiggly stores often run local promotions and weekly specials. Many locations participate in digital coupon programs or offer store-specific loyalty cards.
• In-store flyers with weekly deals • Manufacturer coupons accepted at most locations • Senior discount days at select stores
Both retailers actively engage in promotional activities to attract customers and provide added value.
Quality and Freshness of Products
Target and Piggly Wiggly differ significantly in their approaches to product quality and freshness. These differences impact customer experiences and perceptions of value.
Produce and Meat Quality
Target emphasizes fresh produce and high-quality meats in its grocery sections. The retailer sources fruits and vegetables from local farms when possible, ensuring shorter transit times and fresher options. Target's meat department offers a range of choices, including organic and grass-fed options.
Piggly Wiggly, as a regional chain, focuses on providing familiar products to its local customer base. Their produce selection may be more limited but often includes locally-sourced items. Meat quality at Piggly Wiggly can vary by location, with some stores known for their butcher services.
Both chains strive to maintain quality standards, but Target's larger scale often allows for more consistent quality control across stores.
Freshness in Baked and Prepared Foods
Target has expanded its offerings of fresh baked goods and prepared foods in recent years. Many locations feature in-store bakeries producing breads, pastries, and cakes daily. The retailer's prepared food options include salads, sandwiches, and heat-and-eat meals.
Piggly Wiggly stores typically have smaller bakery and deli sections. While they may offer freshly baked items, the selection is often more limited compared to Target. Some Piggly Wiggly locations are known for specific regional specialties or house-made items.
Freshness can vary at both chains depending on store traffic and turnover rates.
Grocery Store Ratings
Consumer ratings for Target and Piggly Wiggly reflect their different approaches to grocery retail. Target generally receives higher marks for product quality and store cleanliness. Customers appreciate the chain's efforts to offer fresh, high-quality items across departments.
Piggly Wiggly ratings tend to be more mixed. Some locations earn praise for their community focus and specific product offerings. Others receive lower marks for limited selection or inconsistent quality.
Target's ratings benefit from its broader inventory and standardized practices. Piggly Wiggly's ratings often reflect the more varied experiences across its independently-owned stores.
Customer Service and Shopping Experience
Target and Piggly Wiggly offer distinct customer service approaches and shopping experiences. Their differences in staff interactions, store upkeep, and technological integration shape how customers perceive and navigate each retailer.
Staff Friendliness and Helpfulness
Target emphasizes a customer-first approach, training employees to be approachable and knowledgeable. Staff members wear recognizable red shirts and name tags, making them easy to spot on the sales floor. They're often equipped with handheld devices to quickly check inventory and answer product questions.
Piggly Wiggly, known for its local focus, often fosters a more personal shopping experience. Employees may know regular customers by name, creating a community-oriented atmosphere. This familiarity can lead to more personalized service and product recommendations.
Both stores typically provide assistance with bagging groceries and carrying items to customers' vehicles upon request.
Store Cleanliness and Maintenance
Target stores are generally well-maintained, with wide aisles and bright lighting. The company invests in regular cleaning schedules and prompt spill response. Restrooms are typically clean and checked frequently.
Piggly Wiggly's cleanliness can vary by location, as many stores are independently owned and operated. Some shoppers report a more "lived-in" feel compared to larger chain stores. Floors and shelves are usually tidy, though the overall appearance may not be as polished as Target's.
Both retailers prioritize food safety standards in their grocery departments, ensuring proper temperature control and product rotation.
In-Store and Online Shopping Technologies
Target has embraced modern retail technologies. Their stores feature self-checkout lanes, mobile payment options, and digital price scanners. The Target app offers digital coupons, a store map, and the ability to order items for pickup or delivery.
Piggly Wiggly's technological offerings can vary by location. Some stores have implemented self-checkout options and digital coupon programs. The chain's website often provides weekly ads and basic store information, but may not offer the same level of digital integration as Target.
Both grocers typically accept various payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and mobile wallets. Target's REDcard provides additional savings and benefits for frequent shoppers.
Company Values and Consumer Perception
Target and Piggly Wiggly have distinct brand identities that shape consumer perceptions. Their approaches to customer loyalty, health-conscious initiatives, and overall shopping experiences differ significantly.
Brand Values and Customer Loyalty
Target emphasizes style and affordability, attracting a broad customer base. The company's "Expect More. Pay Less." slogan resonates with shoppers seeking quality at competitive prices.
Target's exclusive store brands, like Good & Gather and Up & Up, foster customer loyalty. These private labels offer alternatives to national brands at lower price points.
Piggly Wiggly, with its Southern roots, focuses on community and tradition. The chain's slogan, "Down Home, Down the Street," appeals to customers who value local connections and familiarity.
Piggly Wiggly stores often feature regional products, strengthening ties to local communities. This approach cultivates a loyal customer base in its operating areas.
Health-Conscious and Environmentally Aware Shoppers
Target has expanded its offerings to cater to health-conscious consumers. The retailer stocks a variety of organic, non-GMO, and plant-based products.
Target's Made to Matter collection highlights brands that prioritize sustainability and wellness. This initiative appeals to shoppers concerned about environmental impact and personal health.
Piggly Wiggly's approach to health-conscious products varies by location. Some stores have increased their selection of organic and natural foods to meet changing consumer preferences.
The chain's focus on local sourcing in some areas may appeal to environmentally aware customers who prioritize reducing food miles.
Target and Piggly Wiggly in Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports surveys provide insights into shopper satisfaction with supermarkets. Target generally receives positive ratings for its store layout and cleanliness.
Target's pharmacy services often score well in consumer satisfaction surveys. The retailer's prescription savings program has been praised for its affordability.
Piggly Wiggly's performance in Consumer Reports surveys can vary by location due to its franchise model. Some stores receive high marks for customer service and community involvement.
Price competitiveness is a factor where Piggly Wiggly often performs well in consumer surveys, particularly in its core markets.
