A Brief History
BI-LO was started by an Outlaw.
Frank Outlaw to be precise. In 1964, Frank Outlaw, an executive with Winn-Dixie, purchased a small chain of food stores with a firm vision in mind: To create a chain of supermarkets where the Customers could buy national brands for less.
“We’re not going to do the usual giveaways, gimmicks or stamps,“ said Frank. “We’re just going to offer discounted prices to our shoppers.”
An employee contest was run to come up with a name for the company, and BI-LO was chosen because it best described the concept of the stores.
The entrepreneurial spirit that Frank embodied continued even after he left the stores. BI-LO has always had a streak of innovation about it, and never was that more apparent than with the launch of the BONUSCARD®.
During the late 1990’s the BONUSCARD was introduced to BI-LO shoppers and was an immediate hit. The card was, and continues to be, one of the truly great innovations and success stories in our industry.
True success is demonstrated by a willingness to give back, and that has always been a powerful part of the BI-LO culture. BI-LO has always felt a deep and abiding desire to support the communities that have supported us so loyally, and events such as the BI-LO Charity Classic have become a part of the community landscape. Additionally, BI-LO has always been prominent throughout our communities with sponsorships, donations and a helping hand.
And now yet another new demonstration of innovation and concern for the Customer begins as Super BI-LO® enters the marketplace. These stores, with their emphasis on an expanded selection of products, low prices and enhanced product knowledge, are a tangible example of staying ahead of the competition.
From the beginning, BI-LO has set out to do the things that matter to Customers. That hasn’t changed, except that now we’re doing it better than ever.
That would mean a lot to Frank Outlaw. And we’re proud to continue his vision as we advance into the 21st century.
