Kuhn's-Big K
| File:Big K Stores Final Logo.png | |
| Founded | 1913 (as Kuhn Brothers) 1962 (as Big K) |
|---|---|
| Defunct | 1981 |
| Fate | Integrated into Walmart |
| Successor | Walmart |
| Headquarters | Columbia, Tennessee |
Number of locations | 18 (1969) 21 (1970) 105 (1977) |
| Subsidiaries | Big K-Edward's |
Kuhn's-Big K, commonly branded as Big K, was a prominent discount store chain operating in the Southeastern United States until its 1981 merger with Walmart.
History
Originating in 1913 under the name Kuhn Brothers, this variety store chain was established in Columbia, Tennessee. The inaugural Kuhn's-Big K store debuted in 1962. By 1969, the enterprise managed 35 variety outlets alongside 18 Big K discount department stores. That year also marked the official rebranding to Kuhn's - Big K Stores Corporation. In March 1970, plans were announced to initiate a public offering of 400,000 shares while managing 21 Big K locations and 34 Kuhn's Variety Stores. The company completed its public stock offering in April 1971, issuing 512,000 shares of common stock.
The early 1970s saw Kuhn's-Big K intensify its growth efforts, reaching a total of 17 stores at various development stages by August 1971. During this period, the chain began launching increasingly larger outlets, including a planned flagship location of 76,000 square feet in Nashville, Tennessee. By January 1972, the company operated 30 Big K stores and 32 Kuhn's Variety Stores and expanded further by acquiring the lease of a Sky City store in Greeneville, Tennessee. The expansion extended into South Carolina through the September 1977 acquisition of Edward's, a rival discount chain with 33 stores. These new locations operated under the subsidiary name Big K-Edwards, bringing the total store count to 105.
In June 1981, described as "financially struggling" by The New York Times, Kuhn's-Big K agreed to merge with Walmart in a transaction valued at $13 million. This agreement followed an earlier attempted merger with Walmart in 1980 that fell through due to issues related to store leases.
