This is a list of all chain grocery locations my research has uncovered in Des Moines between 1925 and 2020, compiled from city directories, telephone books, and other sources. There may be some omissions due to incomplete or missing data, etc. and I welcome suggestions and corrections. Please read about my methodology for more information about what I do and do not include.

View and download a copy of this location spreadsheet via Google Sheets.

Notes:

• Red Ball and Piggly Wiggly were under the same ownership and when the company converted to supermarkets, it used the Thrift Way (later Thriftway) name. Safeway acquired Thriftway in 1958 and operated severa converted stores for a number of years, which was unusual for them at that time.
• Des Moines has been largely abandoned by large national or regional chains since Safeway pulled out in the early 1980s, with the exception of Hy-Vee, which is based in West Des Moines.
• The numbered streets and directional indicators in Des Moines are just plain nuts. There, I said it…

Store tags:

• A&P
• Albertsons
• Dahl’s
• Hinky Dinky
• Hy-Vee
• Piggly Wiggly
• Price Chopper
• Red Ball/Thriftway
• Safeway
• Super Valu