Ask your grandparents - Food shops

Delving into the past, we can explore the experiences of our grandparents with food shops during their younger years. They might recall the 'open all hours' corner shops, which were a staple in many communities. These shops were often small, family-run businesses that stocked a variety of everyday essentials, from fresh produce to canned goods. They were known for their personal touch, where shopkeepers often knew their customers by name and the local gossip was as much a part of the shopping experience as the items on the shelves. The term 'open all hours' suggests that they were accessible at almost any time, providing a convenient stop for last-minute necessities.

Our grandparents might also remember the advent of the first supermarkets and self-service shops, which marked a significant shift in the shopping experience. These stores introduced a new way of shopping where customers could browse aisles and select items themselves, rather than asking a shopkeeper for assistance. This was a novel concept at the time and changed the nature of shopping, making it more efficient and allowing for a wider range of products. The introduction of supermarkets began to change the landscape of food retail, offering a different kind of convenience and variety compared to the traditional corner shops. These recollections can provide a fascinating insight into the evolution of food shopping and the contrasts between past and present-day practices.