Piggly Wiggly brings jobs, variety to Carol Stream

CAROL STREAM – In the words of “Charlotte’s Web,” the new Piggly Wiggly store in Carol Stream sure is “some pig,” featuring a wide selection of items and promising economic opportunities for the local community.

The grocery store opened March 11 at 998 W. Army Trail Road, providing another option for Carol Stream shoppers. Judging by the steady stream of customers that have visited the store since its opening, people seem to be pretty happy about their new neighbor.

“The traffic has been outstanding, well above expectations,” store manager John Partynski said.

Carol Stream Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Luanne Newman has noticed the buzz around the new store as well.

The Piggly Wiggly parking lot was full on Saturday and Sunday, and Newman herself has stopped by more than once, she said.

“I think people are really excited that it’s opened,” Newman said. “I think it’s added a lot of life to that shopping center, that corner.”

With its opening, Piggly Wiggly filled a storefront that sat vacant for about six years, she said. She hopes the new store will help attract customers to the other businesses in that area as well.

Piggly Wiggly offers much of the selection of a typical grocery store, including meats, baked goods, produce, health and beauty items, liquor and more, Partynski said.

The store is owned by franchisee Piotr Filipek, who also owns other delis in the Chicago area. The Piggly Wiggly deli reflects Filipek’s other shops, even taking their name of “Deli 4 You,” Partynski said.

The deli offers several specialty Polish items.

The new Carol Stream Piggly Wiggly is one of eight in Illinois, according to the Piggly Wiggly website. There are about 100 stores in Wisconsin, and Partynski said many Illinois customers tend to be familiar with the grocery store from visiting their northern neighbor for vacation.

“Down here you don’t see many Piggly Wigglys, and they’re very excited about it,” he said.

In addition to bringing more grocery options to the people of Carol Stream, Piggly Wiggly provides other benefits to the local community as well.

With the new store, come jobs and additional sales tax revenue, Newman said.

So far, the store has about 150 employees, but its leaders aren’t finished hiring quite yet.

“The business has been so good that we continue to hire,” Partynski said.

They’re not done celebrating the store’s opening either.

Although a grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting was already held March 19, Piggly Wiggly continues to offer tastings, demonstrations and giveaways for its customers.

With the attendance of Carol Stream Chamber of Commerce members at its grand opening, the store has felt right at home in the Carol Stream business community.

“We got a good, warm welcome from the entire community,” Partynski said.

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Piggly Wiggly

Where: 998 W. Army Trail Road, Carol Stream
Hours: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday
Contact: 630-855-3427
Website: www.shopthepig.com