Des Moines Chain Grocery/Supermarket Locations, 1925-2020

This is a list of all known chain grocery addresses in Des Moines between 1925 and 2020, compiled from city directories, telephone books, and other sources. It is generated through a live Google Spreadsheet so it reflects the latest information I have.

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
Updated on 15 January 2024