Joan Carr, age 12, of Dayton, Ohio, for her question:

WHEN WAS THE FIRST SUPERMARKET OPENED?

An American merchant named Michael Cullen is credited with originating the first supermarket, which he called King Kullen. The store was opened in 1930 in the New York City borough of Queens.

Supermarkets became a significant force in food distribution during the depression in the 1930s by combining self service with low prices, and they experienced an immediate acceptance and growth.

Wider ownership of automobiles and home refrigerators and the availability of packaged groceries contributed to the popularity of supermarkets. Moreover, the general consumer appeal of the supermarket concept    large size, self service, variety of merchandise, one stop shopping, ample parking and low prices    ensure their growth.

The building of supermarkets in suburban areas was important in the development of the retail complexes that came to be known as shopping centers, or malls.

Today, many supermarkets are operated by chains of various sizes.