Red Owl was a regional grocery chain headquartered in Hopkins, Minnesota. Over the years, Bismarck had had five separate Red Owl locations, including serving as the main anchor at Northbrook Mall until 1989. Once the area’s dominate grocer, Red Owl would eventually succumb to immense competition from a growing list of local grocers, most notably Dan’s Supervalu.

Red Owl first came to Bismarck in 1927, with a location on Main Avenue. One year later, Red Owl opened a second location on Broadway Avenue. Sometime in the 1930s, Red Owl closed its Main Avenue location upon expanding its Broadway location.

In 1952, Red Owl opened a location at the intersection of Fourth Street and Avenue A. Red Owl would later relocate its Broadway Avenue location to a building near the intersection of Seventh Street. When Northbrook Mall opened in 1959, Red Owl was established as its main anchor.

Red Owl began to lose its market dominance in the 1970s, mainly to Dan’s Supermarket, who had opened two brand-new modern supermarkets during the decade. As Dan’s expanded, Red Owl remained stagnant. Added competition in the 1980s, including Cash Wise Foods and Econofoods, put even greater strain on the local stores.

In 1987, the Red Owl corporate office seized control of the failing Bismarck franchise locations. Sean Schulke, who happened to be the son of Red Owl President C. Patrick Schulke, purchased both Bismarck locations with hopes to revitalize the stores. Shortly after their purchase, both Bismarck stores underwent renovation and were converted into Freshmart Foods, which was a test concept being implemented by Red Owl. These efforts proved unsuccessful, however, and both Bismarck Red Owl locations closed in 1989.

The Red Owl company as a whole had seen eroding revenues throughout the 1980s, leading to its purchase in 1988 by its chief competitor, national grocery distributor, Supervalu. Today, only two locations, both privately owned, still operate under the Red Owl banner.

Related Articles:

• Buttrey’s Department Store Buttrey’s was a regional retail chain based in Great Falls,...
• S&H Green Stamps S&H Green Stamps was a national rewards program that was...
• Bismarck Grocery Company / Civic Square Building Founded in 1902, the Bismarck Grocery Company was the region’s...
• Best Products Retail Store Best Products, popularly known as “BEST”, was a national discount catalogue...
• RCC Western Store Adding Second Location Coyboys and lovers of western gear rejoice! RCC Western Store, a...