The Evolution and Origins of the Term ‘Supermarket’
The Evolution and Origins of the Term ‘Supermarket’
The term “supermarket” has evolved from a collection of everyday words—self-service and a wide range of products—that have transformed the grocery shopping experience. Understanding the origins of this term helps us appreciate the progression of retail.
The Term Unveiled
Interestingly, the term "supermarket" combines two distinct words: "super," meaning extremely or very much, and "market," referring to a place for buying and selling goods. The exact origin can be traced back to the introduction of self-service and a wide variety of products under one roof.
The Pioneer: King Kullen Michael Cullen
The first true supermarket is often credited to Michael J. Cullen, who opened King Kullen in 1930 in Queens, New York. Cullen’s vision was revolutionary. He implemented several features that define supermarkets today, such as self-service and a wide selection of products under one roof. Cullen had a deep understanding of the grocery business, which allowed him to buy drastically reduced merchandise from surplus stocks of food manufacturers. His store’s size also gave him significant buying power, enabling him to purchase massive quantities at lower prices than his competitors.
Kroger, the grocery store Cullen worked for, initially thought the idea was crazy. Despite their skepticism, Cullen used his own life savings and opened King Kullen the Price Wrecker in March 1930 in an abandoned warehouse in Jamaica, Queens. Success came quickly, and two years later, Cullen was operating seven more stores, demonstrating the wide appeal of the concept and leading to the widespread imitation of the superstore concept.
The Term 'Supermarket'
The term "supermarket" became widely adopted and recognized in the early 1960s. Before this period, many corner markets sold just a few items, with the term “supermarket” not yet in common use. In fact, the very first store to use the term 'supermarket' in its name was Cincinnati’s Albers Supermarket, which opened in 1933. This shift marked a significant change in how consumers shopped for food and household items.
The Vocabulary Behind 'Supermarket'
Breaking down the vocabulary behind the term 'supermarket' offers insight into the evolution of a retail concept. The word "store" comes from the Latin "instauro," which means to establish or repair. The prefix 'super-' in "supermarket" suggests 'very large' or 'exceedingly,' capturing the concept of a vast array of items available in one place.
"Grocery," on the other hand, is rooted in the Latin "grossus," which means large or thick. Groceries are commonly sold by grocers, who trade in a broad range of produce. This term reflects the wide variety of goods typically found in a traditional grocery store.
Conclusion
From its humble beginnings in Queens, New York, to the widespread adoption of the term 'supermarket,' the evolution of this retail concept has significantly changed the way we shop for groceries and household items. Understanding the origins of the term helps us appreciate the transformative impact it has had on modern consumption patterns.