Whatever Happened to Big Al of Big Al’s Super Values in Wiscasset, Maine?

Even if you had never been to Big Al's in Wiscasset, Maine, you no doubt have seen his commercials on TV. Big Al was not only the owner of Big Al's Super Values store, but he was also the star of his TV commercial. He ranks up there with the Jolly John for his car dealership in Saco, Bob of Bob's Discount Furniture, and Stan Pollack of G.M. Pollack & Sons Jewelers.

Sadly, Jolly John Pulsifer passed away in 2011, and Stan Pollack passed in 2022. Like Big Al, they were instantly recognizable from their commercials. But whatever happened to Big Al?

A bigger-than-life personality, "Big Al" made himself a household name through his television commercials. He always emphasized "Route" when giving out the address of his Super Values store, but pronouncing it "Rowt" instead of "Root", as we Maine natives do.

"Big" Al Cohen opened his "Super Values" store on Route 1 in Wiscasset in 1987, selling just about everything under the sun at discount prices. If Big Al's didn't have it, you probably didn't need it.

Al decided to retire after 35 years and close his store at the end of 2021. It was getting hard to find people to work. The COVID-19 pandemic certainly contributed to that, as well as other factors.

Al sold his store in April of 2023 to the largest candy store in New England, Sweetz & More.

So where is Big Al now? He now runs Big Al's Fireworks Outlet, which he opened next door when fireworks became legal to purchase in Maine. You don't see him on TV as much anymore, but he's still an icon that Mainers love.