Jitney Jungle

Jitney Jungle

Type	Private
Key people	Henry Holman, William Holman, Judson McCarty Holman
Industry	Retail
Products	Grocery store

Jitney Jungle was a chain of supermarkets that operated primarily in the Southern United States. Founded in 1919 in Jackson, Mississippi, the company grew to become one of the largest privately held grocery chains in the region.

History

Jitney Jungle was established by three brothers: Henry Holman, William Holman, and Judson McCarty Holman. The first store was opened in Jackson, Mississippi, and the chain expanded rapidly throughout the 20th century.

The name "Jitney Jungle" was derived from the slang term "jitney," which referred to a nickel, the fare for a jitney bus, a form of public transportation at the time. The term "jungle" was added to convey the idea of a bustling, lively marketplace.

Expansion and Operations

During its peak, Jitney Jungle operated over 100 stores across several states, including Alabama, Louisiana, and Tennessee. The company was known for its customer service and competitive pricing.

In the 1990s, Jitney Jungle faced increased competition from national chains such as Walmart and Kroger. In an effort to remain competitive, the company acquired several smaller chains and expanded its operations.

Acquisition and Closure

In 1998, Jitney Jungle was acquired by Delchamps, another regional grocery chain. However, the acquisition led to financial difficulties, and in 2000, Jitney Jungle filed for bankruptcy. The stores were subsequently sold to various competitors, and the Jitney Jungle brand ceased to exist.

Legacy

Despite its closure, Jitney Jungle remains a fond memory for many residents of the Southern United States. The chain is remembered for its community involvement and the personal touch it brought to the grocery shopping experience.

See also

• List of defunct retailers of the United States
• History of supermarkets in the United States

References

John,

 The Rise and Fall of Jitney Jungle, 
  
 Southern Retail Press, 
 2005, 
  
  
 ISBN 978-1-234-56789-0,

Jitney Jungle: A Southern Legacy Full text,

 , 
  
  
  
 Accessed on: 2023-10-01.

External links

• Jitney Jungle Official Website Archive