Woodman's Food Markets

Woodman's Markets is a prominent regional supermarket chain primarily serving Wisconsin and northern Illinois. Founded in 1919 by John Woodman as a simple produce stand in Janesville, Wisconsin, the business transitioned from farming to retail following World War I. Over the decades, the company evolved into a warehouse-style grocery model, known for its massive store formats—often exceeding 200,000 square feet—and its commitment to competitive pricing through bulk purchasing.

In 1998, the company underwent a significant structural change when it became 100% employee-owned through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). This ownership model is a core part of the brand's identity, distinguishing it from large corporate retail chains. Today, Woodman's remains headquartered in Janesville and operates approximately 20 locations, offering a wide array of products including groceries, liquor, and fuel services. While it famously carries a vast selection of national brands, it utilizes regional co-operative brands like Food Club and Full Circle (via Topco Associates) to provide private-label options to its customers.