This one-storey brick building on Portage Avenue in Winnipeg was constructed in 1929 by contractor William James Lailey as a grocery for Piggly Wiggly Canadian Limited. It opened officially on 31 August 1929. After Safeway Stores Limited purchased Piggly Wiggly in mid-1935, the store was eventually rebranded. It has been occupied by a succession of businesses through the years.
Former Piggly Wiggly and Safeway store on Portage Avenue in Winnipeg (April 2020)
Source: George PennerSite Coordinates (lat/long): N49.87900, W97.21452
denoted by symbol on the map above
See also:
Memorable Manitobans: William James Lailey (1879-1951)
Manitoba Business: Piggly Wiggly Canadian Limited
Manitoba Business: Safeway Stores Limited
“Piggly wiggly better foods for less,” Winnipeg Tribune, 30 August 1929, page 2.
“For Easter … It’s Swift’s premium ham,” Winnipeg Tribune, 8 April 1936, page 12.
Henderson’s Winnipeg and Brandon Directories, Henderson Directories Limited, Peel’s Prairie Provinces, University of Alberta Libraries.
“Piggly wiggly company opens store no. 20,” Winnipeg Tribune, 26 October 1929, page 29.
We thank Jordan Makichuk for providing additional information used here.
This page was prepared by George Penner and Gordon Goldsborough.
Page revised: 3 November 2022
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