Fred Meyer

Fred Meyer is a chain of hypermarkets, founded by Fred Meyer in 1922. Fred Meyer is owned by Kroger. Fred Meyer is considered the first hypermarket.

History
Fred Meyer, from New York City, opened a market in Portland, Oregon in 1922. In 1928, Meyer opened a self-service drugstore. In 1951, Meyer opened a large warehouse in Portland. The warehouse was so large that some of it had to be destroyed so a freeway could be built. In the 60s, Meyer acquired Marketime Drugs. He later purchased the Roundup Company. In 1975, Meyer acquired discount chain Valu-Mart. The Valu-Marts were renamed Fred Meyer. In 1978, Meyer died. In 1982, Fred Meyer was bought by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts. In the 90s, Fred Meyer expanded into California, but later stopped. In 1985, Fred Meyer acquired another discount chain called Grand Central. In 1997, Fred Meyer purchased Smith's Food &amp; Drug. In 1998, Fred Meyer purchased the Ralphs Grocery Company and QFC. In 1999, Fred Meyer merged with Kroger. In 2000, all the Arizona Fred Meyers became Fry's Marketplace.