George W. Jenkins - First Store

First Store

Although the country was in the midst of the Great Depression, Jenkins incorporated Publix Food Stores in 1930 with 30 shares, each valued at $100. He kept 13 for himself and sold 4 to friends. The butcher and assistant manager at Piggly Wiggly each purchased another 4 shares, raising $1,200 to supplement Jenkins' savings of $1,300. He and five employees opened a new market next door to his former employer. The chain fought back, bringing in a handsome and charming manager from Miami who supposedly garnered all the customers wherever he went. The two stores began a series of one-upmanships, where the Piggly Wiggly store would offer a shopping premium, and Jenkins' Publix would offer something better. The first year was difficult, but Jenkins' store covered its expenses, and the Piggly Wiggly closed its doors. As the economy improved, the store did better, and five years later, a second store was opened on the other side of town.