Big Y Launches Anniversary Promotions

SN STAFF

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Big Y is celebrating its 75th anniversary with sweepstakes and giveaways.

“Stay tuned for some huge giveaways in 2011 to celebrate our 75th Anniversary,” Big Y states in promotional materials.

The retailer kicked off the celebration with a social media promotion designed to draw more people to its Facebook page. It gave out three $100 Big Y gift cards after gaining 4,000 Facebook fans.

“As we inch our way towards 4,000 fans, suggest to your friends to ‘like’ our page, by posting to your walls and ours,” Big Y wrote on its Facebook page.

The contest started in early December, when the chain had about 3,200 fans. It reached its goal of 4,000 fans by Dec. 14.

The retailer is also distributing a free 75th Anniversary 2011 calendar that's packed with Big Y history and stories, along with coupon savings.

Shoppers are also invited to share their favorite Big Y stories and photos on Big Y's website.

“Maybe you remember a shopping trip with your mom or grandma to get all the ingredients to bake a holiday favorite. Or maybe there was one special employee you remember with a smile. Share your memory with us,” the retailer said on its website. “Who knows? Your story or photograph may appear in our weekly circular or find a home in the history section here on bigy.com. Try and remember a regular day made special, take a moment to jot down a few notes, and scan that old photo taken in one of our stores. We'd love to hear from you.”

The submission requires an Express Savings Club card number and either an email address or phone number.

Big Y was founded Dec. 12, 1936, after Paul D'Amour, a bread route salesman for the Wonder Bread Baking Co., acquired the Y Cash Market in Chicopee, Mass. The 900-square-foot store, located at a “Y”-shaped intersection in the Willimansett section of Chicopee, was operated by D'Amour and his brother, Gerald. Their sisters later joined in the operation, and the chain remains owned by the D'Amour family, with 62 locations in Connecticut and Massachusetts and more than 10,000 employees.