Thrift Mart of Utah: A 1962 Landmark in Granger’s Retail Growth

Thrift Mart of Utah – A 1962 Landmark in Granger’s Retail Expansion

In the summer of 1962, the west side of the Salt Lake Valley saw one of its largest retail projects to date take shape — Thrift Mart, Inc. of Utah, an “open-door” discount department store built on the former Walter Brocks farm at 3500 South and 4000 West in Granger.

Ground was broken on June 10, 1962, for the $1 million development, a 90,000-square-foot air-conditioned structure surrounded by 10 acres of paved parking. The store’s initial $300,000 inventory promised to serve nearly every household need: groceries, clothing, appliances, furniture, jewelry, luggage, automotive supplies, and even a drugstore and camera shop.

Financing came through Prudential Federal Savings and Loan, with additional private investment and construction loans provided by two small-business investment corporations — Utah Capital Corp. (headed by W.E. Myrick of Valley State Bank) and First Capital Corp. (led by Reed W. Brinton).

The project’s ownership group, G.H., Inc., was headed by Herman Franks, vice president and general manager of the Salt Lake Bees Baseball Corp.; Stanford H. Hale, longtime secretary-treasurer of Valley Shopping Centers; and Ralph W. Anderson, director.

Backing also came from well-known investors, including baseball legends Willie Mays and Whitey Lockman, who helped provide equity capital for the expansive new store.

J.E. Lehnherr, president of Valley Shopping Centers, served as president of Thrift Mart, Inc. of Utah, bringing his proven retail experience to the new discount venture. Construction was managed by J. Price Associates, Inc., and the official opening was set for October 13, 1962.

The arrival of Thrift Mart signaled the continuing westward shift of commerce and the growing suburban identity of Granger — a milestone in the development of what would later become West Valley City.

3500 south 4091 west Thrift City Discount Store

J.E. Lehnherr