Fred Meyer, born Frederick Grubmeyer on February 21, 1886, in New York City, NY, was a pioneering entrepreneur who revolutionized the retail industry with his all-inclusive superstores. Known for founding the Oregon-based Fred Meyer, Inc., which later merged with the Kroger grocery chain, Meyer's legacy continues to shape the way we shop today.
Before making his mark in the retail world, Fred Meyer grew up in Brooklyn, New York, as the son of a grocer. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in business and entrepreneurship, starting his first venture with a street-side cherry vending business in Brooklyn. This early experience would shape his future career in the retail industry.
In 1931, Fred Meyer opened his first store in Portland, Oregon, introducing a novel concept of one-stop shopping to customers. His superstores offered a wide range of products, including groceries, clothing, electronics, and household goods, all under one roof. This innovative approach to retailing quickly caught on, and Fred Meyer became a household name in Oregon.
Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, Meyer continued to expand his chain of superstores, establishing a strong presence in the Pacific Northwest. In the early 1970s, he made a strategic move by absorbing the Valu-Mart franchise into his Fred Meyer, Inc. chain, further solidifying his position in the market.
Aside from his successful career, Fred Meyer was also a loving husband to Eva Meyer, whom he married in the early 1920s. Their partnership was a source of strength and support for Meyer, and together they navigated the ups and downs of life as entrepreneurs. Sadly, Eva passed away in 1960, leaving Meyer to carry on their legacy alone.
Fred Meyer's impact on the retail industry cannot be overstated. His pioneering spirit and innovative approach to shopping laid the foundation for the modern retail landscape we see today. By offering customers a convenient and all-encompassing shopping experience, he forever changed the way we shop.
Today, the Fred Meyer brand lives on as a division of the Kroger Company, continuing to uphold Meyer's legacy of quality, value, and customer satisfaction. His entrepreneurial vision and dedication to excellence serve as an inspiration to aspiring business owners and retail innovators around the world.
Fred Meyer may have started out as a street-side cherry vendor in Brooklyn, but he went on to become a retail powerhouse who transformed the way we shop. His commitment to innovation, quality, and customer service continues to resonate with consumers today, making him a true pioneer in the world of retail.