Unable to include Departed Business
Former Location |
1951 East 20th Street, current location of Target |
Former Owners |
Lucky Stores, Inc. |
Business Lifespan |
??? - 1986 |
Gemco was large department store in South Chico, operated by the Lucky grocery store chain. It was similar to a Super Walmart and Fred Meyer in that they sold clothing, home improvement supplies, toys, stationery and school supplies, sporting goods, and had a garden area and pharmacy. The back area of the store housed a full-size Lucky grocery store. It was truly one-stop shopping. Gemco set itself apart from Walmart by offering much higher quality merchandise at a low price. The Gemco Membership card cost $1 for life. The proceeds went towards a scholarship fund for employees. Gemco was a very popular store. In 1986, investor Asher Edelman attempted a hostile takover of Gemco's parent company Lucky. Lucky was forced to sell off Gemco to Target in order to defend against the hostile takeover.
Gemco closed in 1986, and Target moved in, where it is currently located.
Comments
2009-05-24 18:25:17 I'd forgotten about the lifetime membership! Thanks for adding that in! —MaryMo