First Big Bear store opening   Save
Big Bear Stores Collection
Description: Photograph of the opening of the first Big Bear grocery store, located on West Lane Avenue in Columbus, in 1934. Big Bear was a supermarket founded by Wayne E. Brown and headquartered in Columbus. It operated stores in Ohio and West Virginia for almost 75 years. In 1934, an innovation in food retailing was introduced in Columbus when Wayne E. Brown opened the first self-service supermarket in central Ohio. The name “Big Bear” was chosen because Brown felt it was catchy and easy for people, especially children, to remember. Big Bear is responsible for many innovations in the supermarket business. They were the first to introduce motorized counters, unique store layouts placing perishable departments in the center of the store with low fixtures, and a pleasing décor. Big Bear was an instant success with consumers who liked the opportunity to select their own items and the convenience of one-stop shopping. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: AL04062
Subjects: Businesses; Grocery stores
Places: Columbus (Ohio); Franklin County (Ohio)