E.W. James Celebrates 90 Years

E.W. James will be 90 years old and the biggest reason is because of you, our valued customers”

Steve Liggins

E.W. James' History

E.W. James Supermarkets all started back in 1934, when Etheridge William “E.W.” James, the 31-year-old clerk in Hickman, KY, made an agreement to purchase a small corner grocery store from his brother-in-law. His business grew, so E.W. decided to purchase another store located in downtown Hickman, which he called “Cash & Carry.” Mr. James also bought pecans and furs from local dealers.

In 1952, Mr. James expanded his company to Obion County in Tennessee. The Union City store became the largest in the chain, with eleven check lanes and serving 12,000 customers a week.

Mr. E.W. had two sons, Billy Joe James and David W. James, and two daughters, Mrs. Nancy Halterman and Mrs. Wanda Faye Naylor. Through the James children, E.W. James Supermarkets worked hard to make excellence the trademark of their family’s business.

In 1950, Mr. E.W. James’s son, Billy Joe James started working full time with his father. Billy Joe moved from Hickman to Obion County. He worked in the Union City store, pouring his energy into the grocery business and his goal was to expand the company.

After graduation, from Murray State University, and serving his country between 1966-1968 as First Lieutenant in the United States Army, David W. James joined the family owned business. With Billy Joe and David’s guidance, the company grew and they opened another store in Ripley, TN in 1973. After setting goals for new store openings, they opened 4 new stores between 1979-1980.

In 1989, David James bought the company from his brother and sisters. David’s hard work helped grow the company to locations throughout West Tennessee including the towns of: Dresden, Huntingdon, McKenzie, Union City, Waynesboro, Ripley, Martin, Paris, and Troy. The family-owned and operated company is based in Union City, TN.

As of today, Lee Ann James, David W. James’s daughter, now owns the company and serves as CEO.

E.W. James kicked off their 90-year anniversary celebration on Thursday, June 6 with events at each of their locations across West Tennessee.

The Martin location kicked off their event with a “Back to the 80’s” them and sold numerous grilled hotdogs today with plans to sell just as many tomorrow. The Martin location would like customers to stop by and grab a hotdog, enter their giveaways and shop their specials.

To celebrate, they have several specials including a win-what-you-spend giveaway where customers can turn their shopping into winning and get a chance to win back what they spend on groceries.

Here’s how it works:

• Make a purchase between June 5-18
• Write your name and phone number on the back of your receipt and drop it in the customer service desk box
• Enter as often as you shop, but receipt must be dated June 5-18
• 5 winners from each participating store will be randomly chosen on June 19
• Prizes will be awarded in the form of an E.W. James gift card

To celebrate 90 years, E.W.’s will also have grilled hotdogs for 2/$0.90 today and tomorrow from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Chips and a drink are on the house

Four big anniversary prizes will also be given away to celebrate. At the McKenzie, Paris, Huntingdon and Ripley locations a Coca-Cola Grizzly cooler will be given away.

At the Union City, Martin, Dresden and Troy locations, a Pepsi logo cooler will be given away.

At the Union City, Martin, Dresden and Troy locations an E.W. James 90^th Anniversary personalized SmartWater umbrella and Adirondack chair will be given away.

Customers can enter to win in-store at the drawing box.

A Facebook giveaway for Pepsi Mid America Holiday World tickets and LBL Planetarium passes will also be given away. Customers must follow E.W. James on Facebook for Giveaway details.

“E.W. James will be 90 years old and the biggest reason is because of you, our valued customers,” Steve Liggins of Union City E.W. James stated.