Bud Bowman at Big Bear   Save
Big Bear Stores
Description: Bud Bowman and Big Bear standing outside the Buckeye Premium Stamp Redemption Center, Big Bear Store #1, Lane Avenue, Columbus, Ohio. The Lane Avenue store, which opened in 1934, was the first Big Bear store and the first self-service supermarket in central Ohio. 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: AL05213
Subjects: Grocery stores; Businesses
Places: Columbus (Ohio); Franklin County (Ohio)