Fred’s, Inc., trading on the OTC Markets under the ticker FREDQ, is a Memphis, Tennessee–based company best known for its discount general merchandise and pharmacy retail operations. Founded in 1947 by Fred Smith Sr. as a single pharmacy and variety store in Coldwater, Mississippi, the company grew steadily over seven decades, focusing on small‐ to mid‐sized communities across the Southeastern United States.
At its peak, Fred’s operated hundreds of stores offering a broad assortment of products and services. Core offerings included prescription and over-the-counter pharmacy services, health and beauty care, household essentials, apparel, electronics, seasonal décor, and select grocery items. Many locations featured drive‐thru pharmacies and in‐store clinics, providing immunizations and basic health screenings alongside everyday retail goods.
Fred’s completed its initial public offering in March 2015, listing on the NASDAQ before later transitioning to the OTC Markets. After expanding to approximately 650 stores across 15 states, the company faced intense competition and shifting consumer preferences in the retail sector. In September 2019, Fred’s filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and subsequently closed all remaining stores, leaving the corporate shell to trade under the symbol FREDQ.
Throughout its history, Fred’s leadership was guided by executives and board members with extensive backgrounds in pharmacy operations, supply chain management, and retail merchandising. The company’s legacy reflects both its community focus in underserved markets and the challenges faced by brick‐and‐mortar retailers amid evolving industry dynamics. Today, the Fred’s corporate entity remains on the OTC market as stakeholders assess potential strategic alternatives.
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