50 Facts About Fred Meyer

Fred Meyer: A Retail Pioneer

Fred Meyer is a name synonymous with one-stop shopping in the Pacific Northwest. Founded nearly a century ago, this retail giant has a rich history filled with innovation and community involvement.

1. Founding: Fred Meyer was founded by Fred G. Meyer in 1922 in Portland, Oregon.
2. Initial Store: The first store opened at the corner of SW 5th and Yamhill in downtown Portland.
3. Founder’s Vision: Fred Meyer aimed to create a one-stop shopping experience where customers could find all their household needs in one place.
4. Early Years: Before Fred Meyer, customers had to visit multiple shops for different goods like meat, produce, and cheese.

Innovations in Retail

Fred Meyer introduced several groundbreaking concepts that changed the retail landscape forever.

5. Innovative Marketing: Fred Meyer introduced the self-service drugstore concept, the first of its kind in the nation.
6. One-Stop Shopping: Combining various departments like groceries, clothing, and pharmaceuticals under one roof revolutionized retail.
7. Store Expansion: By the 1930s, Fred Meyer had expanded to multiple locations in downtown Portland and beyond.
8. Hollywood Fred Meyer: In 1931, Fred Meyer built his first full-block megastore on Northeast Sandy Boulevard at 42nd Avenue in Portland.

Store Layout and Offerings

Fred Meyer stores are known for their vast size and diverse range of products.

9. Store Size: Fred Meyer stores average around 150,000 square feet and carry over 225,000 items.
10. Departments: The stores offer a wide range of products including groceries, clothing, auto supplies, furniture, appliances, hardware, garden supplies, and more.
11. Self-Serve Drugstores: Fred Meyer introduced self-serve drugstores, a concept that was groundbreaking at the time.
12. My-Te-Fine Label: The company used a contest among employees to arrive at the My-Te-Fine label for house-brand items, which were sold at prices lower than national brands.

Expansion and Acquisitions

Fred Meyer grew through strategic acquisitions and expansions into new markets.

13. House Brand Products: The My-Te-Fine label was applied to dozens of house-brand items, making Fred Meyer a pioneer in private labeling.
14. Expansion into New Markets: By the 1960s, Fred Meyer had expanded into new markets, including Seattle and Spokane.
15. Acquisitions: The company acquired several smaller grocery store chains, including Marketime Drugs and Valu-Mart.
16. Store Count: At the time of Fred Meyer’s death in 1978, the company had 63 stores in four western states.

Legacy and Community Involvement

Fred Meyer left a lasting impact on the community and the retail industry.

17. Founder’s Death: Fred G. Meyer died on September 2, 1978, at the age of 92.
18. Legacy: Fred Meyer left behind a legacy of innovative retailing and community involvement, earning him the title of “First Citizen” of Portland in 1976.
19. Eva Meyer’s Role: Eva Meyer, Fred’s wife, played a significant role in the company, serving as secretary-treasurer until her death in 1960.
20. Eve’s Restaurants: After Eva’s death, Fred Meyer opened Eve’s Buffets or Eve’s Restaurants inside many Fred Meyer stores in her honor.

Store Design and Customer Experience

Fred Meyer stores are designed to make shopping convenient and enjoyable.

21. Store Layout: The stores were designed to make shopping convenient and efficient, with expert staff in charge of each department.
22. Community Involvement: Fred Meyer was known for its community involvement, including supporting local businesses and charitable causes.
23. Philanthropy: Fred Meyer’s will established the Meyer Memorial Trust, which became one of the largest private foundations in the nation.
24. Meyer Memorial Trust: The trust supports various charitable organizations and has distributed millions of dollars each year to worthy causes.

Geographic Reach

Fred Meyer expanded its footprint across several states, becoming a household name.

25. Store Locations: By the 1990s, Fred Meyer stores were located throughout Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Utah, Arizona, and Alaska.
26. Acquisitions and Mergers: The company underwent several acquisitions and mergers, including the purchase of Grand Central of Salt Lake City and Smith’s Food and Drug in Utah.
27. KKR Acquisition: In 1981, Fred Meyer was purchased by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR) in one of KKR’s first major leveraged buyouts.
28. Kroger Acquisition: In 1998, Fred Meyer was acquired by Kroger, Inc., making the combined company the largest grocery store chain in the country.

Evolution of Store Layout

The layout of Fred Meyer stores has evolved to include more services and departments.

29. Store Conversion: Many of the acquired stores were converted to the Fred Meyer name, expanding the chain’s reach.
30. Store Layout Evolution: Over the years, the store layout evolved to include more departments and services, such as banks and restaurants.
31. Private Label Products: Fred Meyer introduced several private label products, including the My-Te-Fine label, which were popular among customers.
32. Employee Involvement: Employees played a significant role in the company’s success, with many participating in contests and initiatives to improve store operations.

Customer Service and Employee Benefits

Fred Meyer is known for its excellent customer service and employee benefits.

33. Store Design: The stores were designed to be visually appealing and easy to navigate, with clear signage and organized departments.
34. Customer Service: Fred Meyer was known for its excellent customer service, with staff trained to provide personalized assistance.
35. Store Expansion into California: In the 1990s, Fred Meyer expanded into California by opening a store in Chico, but eventually closed the location and sold the Sacramento sites.
36. Store Conversion to Wal-Mart: The Redding site eventually became a Wal-Mart store in 1996.

Additional Services and Offerings

Fred Meyer offers a variety of services beyond traditional retail.

37. Fred Meyer Jewelers: The company is also the parent of Fred Meyer Jewelers, which offers a wide range of jewelry and accessories.
38. Store Services: Fred Meyer stores offer a variety of services, including pharmacy services, optical services, and financial services.
39. Store Layout Innovations: The company introduced several innovations in store layout, including the use of shopping carts and checkout lanes.
40. Employee Benefits: Fred Meyer was known for offering excellent employee benefits, including competitive wages and comprehensive health insurance.

Community Programs and Awards

Fred Meyer has received numerous awards and supported various community programs.

41. Community Programs: The company supported various community programs, including food drives and charity events.
42. Store Design Awards: Fred Meyer stores have received several design awards for their innovative and functional layouts.
43. Customer Loyalty: The company built strong customer loyalty through its commitment to quality products and excellent service.
44. Store Expansion into New Markets: By the 1980s, Fred Meyer had expanded into new markets, including Idaho and Montana.

Growth and Evolution

Fred Meyer has grown significantly over the years, adapting to changing market conditions.

45. Store Count Growth: The number of Fred Meyer stores grew significantly over the years, from 48 stores in four states in the 1960s to over 100 stores in six states by the late 1980s.
46. Store Layout Evolution: The store layout evolved to include more services like banks and restaurants, making it a one-stop shopping destination.
47. Store Design Philosophy: The company’s store design philosophy focused on creating a welcoming and efficient shopping environment.
48. Employee Training Programs: Fred Meyer invested heavily in employee training programs to ensure that staff were knowledgeable and helpful.

Comprehensive Retail Destination

Fred Meyer continues to be a comprehensive retail destination, offering a wide range of products and services.

49. Store Services Expansion: The company expanded its services to include financial services, pharmacy services, and optical services, making it a comprehensive retail destination.
50. Legacy in Retailing: Fred Meyer’s legacy in retailing is marked by its innovative marketing concepts, commitment to customer service, and community involvement, making it a beloved brand in the Pacific Northwest.

Fred Meyer's Enduring Legacy

Fred Meyer has been a retail giant in the Pacific Northwest for nearly a century. Founded in 1922 by Fred G. Meyer, the company revolutionized shopping with its one-stop concept. From groceries to clothing, auto supplies to furniture, Fred Meyer stores offer a wide range of products under one roof. The company introduced innovative ideas like self-serve drugstores and private label products, which set new standards in retail.

Fred Meyer’s commitment to community involvement and philanthropy, including the establishment of the Meyer Memorial Trust, has made a lasting impact. Acquisitions and mergers, like the 1998 Kroger acquisition, expanded its reach and influence. Today, Fred Meyer remains a beloved brand, known for quality products, excellent customer service, and a welcoming shopping environment. Its legacy continues to inspire retailers nationwide, proving that innovation and community focus can create a lasting retail empire.