Bi-Mart is a member-owned retail cooperative founded in 1955 in Yakima, Washington, built around a simple model of value pricing, limited assortment, and community-focused service. The company operates as a closed-membership store (customers pay a small one-time fee), offering a mix of general merchandise including hardware, automotive, outdoor goods, electronics, and pharmacy services. Known for its no-frills approach and strong local loyalty, Bi-Mart has maintained a unique niche in the Pacific Northwest as a hybrid between a discount store and a general merchandise retailer. Today, Bi-Mart operates approximately 80 retail stores across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, serving communities with a combination of everyday essentials and specialty categories such as sporting goods and seasonal items. Headquartered in Eugene, Oregon, the cooperative continues to focus on value, simplicity, and customer ownership, positioning itself as a regional alternative to large national retailers.
Fred Meyer (often misspelled "Fred Mayer") is a supercenter retail chain founded in 1922 by Fred G. Meyer in Portland, Oregon, and is widely credited as one of the pioneers of the one-stop shopping concept-combining groceries, general merchandise, pharmacy, apparel, and home goods under one roof. The company built a strong reputation across the Pacific Northwest by offering convenience, competitive pricing, and a broad assortment of products in large-format stores. Today, Fred Meyer operates approximately 130+ stores across Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Alaska and is a division of Kroger. Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, the chain continues to serve millions of customers through its supercenter model, offering full-service grocery, pharmacy, and general merchandise departments, along with digital services like pickup and delivery.
Meijer is a family-owned supercenter chain founded in 1934 by Hendrik Meijer in Greenville, Michigan, and is widely credited with pioneering the modern one-stop "supercenter" concept in 1962. The company combines full-service grocery stores with general merchandise, pharmacy, apparel, electronics, and home goods under one roof, creating a comprehensive shopping destination. Known for its strong Midwest presence and customer-focused approach, Meijer emphasizes value, fresh food, and community engagement while remaining privately owned by the Meijer family. Today, Meijer operates approximately 270+ supercenters across Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and Wisconsin, serving millions of customers each week. Headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the company continues to expand through new store openings, digital commerce, and integrated services such as curbside pickup and delivery, while maintaining its reputation as a leading regional retailer.