The name “Bi-Lo” is disappearing from storefronts across the state, and it’s only a matter of time before they all disappear.
Last year, it was announced that the brand is retiring.
But Bi-Lo was once a thriving chain in the southeast, which started out as a locally owned company in the interior of South Carolina, known for having a family atmosphere and decorative fiberglass bulls.
Under the leadership of founder Frank Outlaw, 70 Bi-Lo stores were opened in the Carolinas. Then, under the ownership of a Dutch conglomerate, Bi-Lo entered a period of rapid growth. At its peak, there were more than 300 stores under the Bi-Lo brand.
But that peak did not last.
In this week’s podcast, Post and Courier Greenville reporter Conor Hughes recounts the rise and slow decline of the South Carolina-born supermarket chain and explains why the brand became involved in the identity of the place where it established its headquarters.
A former Bi-Lo vice president also shares some of his memories of Bi-Lo’s best years and how the former employees stayed in touch.
Listen now for more.
Understand that SC is a usekly podcast from The Post and Courier that uses the reporting resources and knowledge of our newsroom to help you better understand South Carolina. This episode was presented by Emily Williams and Matt Rasnic and edited by Emily Williams.
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