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Our History
Bi-Mart was founded over a cup of coffee by a group who felt that the average working person deserved a better value for their hard earned dollars. At that time, Fair Trade laws stated that merchandise had to be sold at or above the manufacturer’s suggested retail price. How could we follow the law and still give customers a better value? A membership concept was the answer. By becoming members of Bi-Mart, customers could purchase merchandise at a discounted price. While the laws have changed since then, our membership approach has become part of our culture and our members carry their Bi-Mart cards with pride.
In 1955, we opened our first store in Yakima, Washington, in the garage of one of the original founders. Since that time we’ve steadily opened stores throughout Oregon, Washington and Idaho.
1955
The first Bi-Mart store opened in Yakima, Washington, in the garage of one of the original founders. Bi-Mart was founded, over a cup of coffee, by a group of individuals who felt that the average customer deserved a better value for their hard earned dollars.
Bi-Mart membership cards are now carried by over 1.4 million members and their families throughout the Northwest. Membership was just $2 in 1955!
Jack Phelan, Bi-Mart’s first CEO and President.
Bi-Mart’s original “brick and mortar” store in Yakima, WA.
1962
In 1962, Bi-Mart opened its first store in Eugene at the corner of 18th & Chambers. Shortly thereafter, we moved the corporate headquarters and distribution center to Eugene as well.
1964
A young man from Kansas, Marty W. Smith, begins employment as a hardware clerk at Bi-Mart.
1967
We open our second store in Eugene in 1967—the River Road store. By 1970, the start of the new decade, Bi-Mart had grown to eight stores.
1974
On a break from shooting his new movie, “Rooster Cogburn” John Wayne visits the newly opened Bend Bi-Mart.
1975
Bi-Mart is sold to Pay’n Save, initiating 20 years of ownership changes.
1981
Bi-Mart continues to grow. In just the last ten years we’ve added 20 stores!
1988
Bi-Mart/Pay’n Save is sold to Thrifty Corporation. Marty Smith is named new President and CEO of Bi-Mart. The chain of 35 stores has a proven approach to success.
1992
Once again, as a subsidiary of Thrifty Corp., Bi-Mart is purchased by Leonard Green and Partners and later becomes a subsidiary of Thrifty Payless Corporation.
1996
Rite Aid buys Thrifty Payless Corporation completing the final cycle of sales to-and-from outside companies. Bi-Mart has 50 stores in the chain and no one knows the value of Bi-Mart better than the people who built it.
1997
Bi-Mart Senior Management Group led by Marty Smith—in partnership with Endeavor Capital of Portland—purchase Bi-Mart from Rite Aid, finally taking control and ownership into their own hands.
2004
Now Employee Owned! In a final purchase that meant much more than the transfer of title, Bi-Mart’s employees buy the company— marking a new era in Bi-Mart’s history. Bi-Mart management continues its role directing the success of the company.
2005
50 and Growing Strong!
Bi-Mart celebrated five decades serving the people of the Northwest. We’ve grown up with the Northwest and are proud to call it home.
2014
By the year 2014, Bi-Mart is 75 stores strong—a testament to our management team and our dedicated employee/owners. We also celebrate 50 years of leadership from Marty Smith and gratefully say, ”Job well done.“ Marty continues as board chairman and Bi-Mart welcomes new President and CEO, Rich Truett.
2015
Our first Cascade Farm and Outdoor store opens in Walla Walla. Once again, Bi-Mart starts something great in Washington state! Just two years later, Cascade opens in Coos Bay, Oregon and again, in Keizer, Oregon in 2019. We’ll see more homegrown, honest values in new stores to come.
2020
Celebrating 65 years of serving communities in the Pacific Northwest.
2020
Bi-Mart celebrates the opening of their 80th store in Rathdrum, Idaho
2021
An exciting leap into a new era for Bi-Mart, we launched our searchable e-commerce site. Going forward, we’re looking for opportunities to open more stores throughout the Northwest.
