Piggly Wiggly No. 91 in Columbia — Historic Grocery Store with Fresh Flowers

What Piggly Wiggly No. 91 is and where to find it

Piggly Wiggly No. 91 is a historic grocery store located in Columbia, South Carolina, at 2620 Devine Street. It operates as both a working supermarket and a landmark of American retail history — the building itself is a preserved example of mid-20th-century grocery design. The store carries fresh flowers alongside standard grocery items, which is why it appears in florist searches, though the floral selection is modest compared to dedicated flower shops.

The store is independently operated and maintains the Piggly Wiggly name and format, though it is not part of the larger Piggly Wiggly chain that operates in other states. It has become a destination for people interested in Columbia's commercial heritage and for shoppers who value the neighborhood grocery experience. The Devine Street location has served the surrounding community for decades and remains a gathering point for residents who prefer personal-scale shopping over large chain supermarkets.

Key Takeaways

• Piggly Wiggly No. 91 sells fresh flowers year-round, but selection and availability vary by season and current stock.
• The store is a full-service grocery with produce, meat, dairy, and packaged goods alongside the floral section.
• The building is a recognized example of early supermarket architecture and has been featured in local history discussions.
• Hours and flower availability are best confirmed by calling ahead, as a neighborhood store's inventory changes daily.
• The store does not offer delivery or advance orders for flowers — you must visit in person and purchase what is currently in stock.

Flowers and seasonal availability

The flower selection at Piggly Wiggly No. 91 includes standard arrangements and fresh-cut stems, typically featuring roses, carnations, and seasonal blooms. Availability depends on weekly deliveries and current demand. Spring and summer months usually bring more variety, while winter selection may be smaller. Prices are generally lower than specialty florists, reflecting the grocery-store model.

Because this is a grocery store rather than a dedicated florist, the flower section is not staffed by a full-time florist, and custom arrangements are not available. Customers looking for specific colors, sizes, or designs should call ahead to confirm what is in stock. Staff can tell you what arrived with the latest delivery and whether a particular type or color is likely to be available on your visit day.

The store's role in Columbia's retail landscape

Piggly Wiggly No. 91 represents a particular moment in American grocery history. The original Piggly Wiggly chain, founded in Memphis in 1916, pioneered the self-service supermarket model — a radical shift from the clerk-behind-the-counter format that dominated earlier retail. This location in Columbia has retained that character. Customers select their own items from shelves rather than ordering from a clerk, a format that was revolutionary at the time and remains central to how modern supermarkets operate.

Local history groups and preservation advocates have noted the building's architectural significance as an example of mid-century commercial design. The Devine Street storefront reflects the era when neighborhood groceries were designed as community anchors, with visible windows, accessible entrances, and layouts that encouraged browsing. The store's continued operation under the Piggly Wiggly name makes it one of the few remaining examples of this retail model in South Carolina.

Shopping at Piggly Wiggly No. 91

The store operates as a full-service grocery, with produce, meat and seafood counters, dairy, frozen foods, and packaged goods. The layout follows the self-service model, meaning you select items yourself and bring them to checkout. Payment methods typically include cash and major credit cards, though confirming by phone before your visit is recommended.

Parking is available on-site. The store is accessible by car from downtown Columbia and from the neighborhoods surrounding Devine Street. Public transit options depend on COMET (Columbia's public transit system) routes serving that area — checking the current COMET schedule is recommended if you plan to use the bus. The store's location on Devine Street places it within the Five Points neighborhood, which is walkable from nearby residential areas.

When to visit and what to expect

Piggly Wiggly No. 91 operates during standard grocery hours, though exact times should be confirmed by phone before your visit, as neighborhood stores sometimes adjust seasonally or for local events. The store is typically less crowded than chain supermarkets, which appeals to shoppers who prefer a quieter shopping experience and more personal interaction with staff.

If you are visiting specifically for flowers, calling ahead is the best approach. Staff can tell you what is currently available and whether a particular color or type is in stock. This is especially important if you need flowers for a specific event or date, since the store does not hold orders and flowers are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

Alternatives if Piggly Wiggly No. 91 doesn't have what you need

Columbia has several dedicated florists offering custom arrangements, same-day delivery, and seasonal specialty designs. These include shops in the Five Points neighborhood, downtown Columbia, and throughout the midlands. If you need a large arrangement, specific flower varieties, or custom design work, a dedicated florist will have more options than a grocery store and can create something tailored to your event.

Other grocery chains in Columbia — including Harris Teeter, Food Lion, and Publix — also carry fresh flowers and may have larger selections during peak seasons. For everyday flowers at grocery prices, any of these options work. For special occasions, specific requests, or delivery, a dedicated florist is the better choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Piggly Wiggly No. 91 deliver flowers?

No, the store does not offer delivery. You will need to pick up flowers in person. If you need delivery, contact a dedicated florist in Columbia instead.

Can I order flowers in advance?

The store does not take advance orders for flowers. Call ahead to check current availability, but orders are not held. Flowers are sold on a first-come, first-served basis as they arrive with weekly deliveries.

What are the store's hours?

Hours vary and should be confirmed by calling the store directly at the Devine Street location. Neighborhood stores sometimes adjust hours seasonally or for holidays, so a quick phone call before your visit is the most reliable way to confirm.

Is there parking at Piggly Wiggly No. 91?

Yes, the store has on-site parking. It is accessible by car from downtown Columbia and surrounding neighborhoods, making it convenient for shoppers driving from other parts of the city.

What payment methods does the store accept?

The store typically accepts cash and major credit cards, but confirming payment options by phone before your visit is a good idea, especially if you have a specific payment preference.